This paper describes research into the use of cognitive tools in the classroom using "Exploring the Nardoo", an information landscape designed to support student investigation. Simulations and support tools which allow multimedia reporting are embedded in the package and are supported by several metacognitive tools for the writing…

The objectives of an innovative teaching model implemented in a course at Northwest Missouri State University Department of Science/Information System are to: (1) use the Total Quality Management (TQM) concept in course design and implementation in the MIS (management information systems) curriculum; (2) develop attitudes and behaviors associated…

This book contains 10 essays on the Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education that include extensive, specific examples of how the principles have been applied at many colleges and universities. It also includes faculty, institutional and student inventories for self-assessment under the Seven Principles. Following an…

This paper describes a cybercourse model that was designed and created by infusing the following four beneficial telecomputing activities into a World Wide Web-based learning system: collaborative learning; demonstration; interactive discussion; and problem solving. Differences between the regular Web-based distance learning system and the…

It is estimated that in 30 years time nearly half the population of Britain will be over 50. In his introduction to "The Learning Age," David Blunkett proclaimed that "we must all develop and sustain a regard for learning at 'whatever age'" (Blunkett, 1998, my italics). Yet such activity does not extend to higher education,…

Psychological research has shown that the meaning people make of their experience is what leads to their learning and development. In addition, the location of human activity has an impact on its meaning. Physical location is not the only component of the context in which afterschool activities take place. Examples in this article illustrate that…

This paper argues that computers can be a useful tool for encouraging students to be active and independent learners, particularly in language learning. The key is to find appropriate activities and content to motivate students to learn actively and independently. Access to computers may present challenging obstacles for some teachers (supply,…

This paper presents the results of a study of the cognitive strategies in which ninth-grade science students engaged as they used a learner-centered dynamic modeling tool (called Model-It) to make original models based upon stream ecosystem scenarios. The research questions were: (1) In what Cognitive Strategies for Modeling (analyzing, reasoning,…

This study investigated how five Australian teachers, who were considered to be exemplary in helping students develop independence, influenced and guided their students to extremely high grades in 12th grade. Teachers were observed teaching a lesson and then interviewed. The interviews asked them to identify successful outcomes of the lesson and…

High/Scope preschool curriculum is a model for developing high-quality early childhood programs that encourage and support children's initiatives and active learning experiences. This revised manual for early childhood practitioners and students presents essential strategies adults can use to make active learning a reality in their programs. The…

Over half of Finnish elementary schools are small schools employing 1-3 teachers. This paper examines the implementation of new national curriculum policies in two small elementary schools. The new policies, adopted in 1994, stress autonomous control of learning and encourage each individual school, in collaboration with the community, to draw up…

Reports on a study of instructional strategies and beliefs among 18 middle-school U.S. history teachers and 60 middle-school students. Finds the most widely used strategies involve active learning, group projects, and student participation. Includes a table of the 10 most used strategies and 4 recommendations for instructional design. (CFR)

This study investigates student teachers' opinions about learning "instructional technology and material preparation" subjects in a hypermedia-based constructivist learning context. A qualitative case study design was employed. The students of one classroom were the focus of an in-depth investigation by means of interviews, which were…

In this article, the author presents findings of a project that focused on identifying elements in the learning environment that promote numeracy outcomes. The project--"Numeracy Research and Development Initiative"--was undertaken in eight schools across a range of settings within the three schooling systems in Queensland and was…

This report is based on the findings of a Special Issues Analysis Center (SIAC) focus group on active learning instructional models for limited English proficiency (LEP) students which convened in June 1993. The report is aimed at supplying answers for teachers uncertain about what to do when confronted with English language learners (ELL) in…