Aims to help educators envision a critical pedagogy. Argues that the teaching of introductory communication skills can be reconceptualized as the teaching of cultural critique. States that, while skills competency is important, larger questions need to be asked, such as what competent communicators have to say and how they position themselves…

Discusses the need for people with object-oriented (OO) skills, explains benefits of OO in software development, and addresses some of the difficulties in teaching OO. Topics include the evolution of programming languages; differences between OO and traditional approaches; differences from data modeling; and Unified Modeling Language (UML) and…

Focuses on the state of mathematics as exemplified in New Zealand schools rather than the level of mathematical understanding of students. Regards the picture of mathematics presented in curriculum documents as healthy with respect to mathematics, but criticizes implementation of the curriculum. Suggests teaching by presenting a wider picture of…

Addresses the relationship that exists between the fields of educational technology, which stresses a performance problem-solving methodology, and distance education, which provides a context within which these methodologies may be employed. A definition of educational technology is discussed, and methodologies of instructional design and…

Outlines procedures involved in the formative evaluation of training materials in a draft stage before they are produced in their final form. The project manager's role is described, guidelines for conducting the tests and determining revisions are given, and worksheets to use in the process are provided. (LRW)

Research shows that programs in faculty and instructional development make a difference. These differences are seen in more positive actions and attitudes of faculty toward the institution and a more inspired vision of their role in teaching and learning. (JOW)

Defines and discusses task analysis and presents a method by which goals can be achieved with the integration of task analysis and design. Highlights include the fact that prerequisites must be kept in mind during the development process. (JKP)

Beyond curriculum development, web-based courses require creation of a virtual environment with infrastructure for online registration and records, financial aid, orientation, advisement, and evaluation. In developing this environment, faculty should consider the market, operations, finances, organization, and collaboration. (SK)

Learners are active actors in learning environments and not mere consumers of instructional designers' products. In line with mediating paradigm instructional conceptions of students are analysed. These conceptions act as cognitive filters that affect students' use of both instructional interventions and support in learning environments. To gain…

Developing a clear and confident plan for every class is much easier when you use this book's model for success. Jane E. Pollock explains the four critical areas of teaching and describes how you can use an approach that increases student success and your own personal satisfaction. To execute your plan, the book offers step-by-step instructions…

The research evidence suggests that strong instructional leaders greatly can impact teaching and learning. There also is increasing recognition that instructional coaches can play an effective role in improving classroom-level practices. A natural way for school leaders to take on the role of instructional leader is to serve as a "chief" coach for…

Three focus groups consisting of 42 board of trustee members, community college presidents, senior administrators, and faculty members developed critical issues facing community colleges with respect to instructional planning and services; planning, governance, finance; and workforce development. Thereafter, the delegation of more than 200 voted…

This article analyzes a social statistics class that engaged in self-grading. Students liked self-grading because they identified their own mistakes, it reinforced what they learned, and they received immediate feedback. Some students worried that others would cheat, but this assertion was not confirmed in the data and the possibility of cheating…

This article describes the process of design and implementation of a hands-on unit on fractions in the sixth grade. The fraction unit, taught by a classroom teacher with the aid of a university professor, uses pattern blocks to help students develop conceptual understanding of fractions. Student misunderstandings and outcomes are presented, as…

In this article, the author presents a discussion regarding the sharing of decision making regarding curriculum in preschool. The preschool where she teaches is housed in a diverse, faith-based elementary school in the heart of Grand Rapids, Michigan, a midsize, midwestern city. It offers full-day, half-day, and two-and-a-half-hour preschool…