Examines whether computer networks can empower second-language learners, focusing on three aspects: autonomy, equality, and learning skills. The article concludes that these networks, appropriately used, can empower students, and provides pedagogical suggestions for effective computer networking in the second- and foreign-language classroom. (66…

Reviews literature on second-language instruction to determine the rationale for the design and implementation of computer software in the field. Findings indicate a need for more software that engages learners in communicative task-based activities and is based on current learning theory. (118 references) (CK)

Higher education is being asked to pay more attention to student learning and to contribute to advancement of community social and economic conditions. As a result, educational institutions will no longer be self-contained. Community members and organizations have become critical partners in framing goals and intentions of educational reform, and…

Presents information about Illinois' Father Sweeney School for the Academically Gifted Child. Discusses the school's curriculum, which includes math, French, science, language arts, social studies, and religious education. Indicates that students are taught to become responsible for their own learning. Describes other school activities, including…

This study examined how well the positive effects of cooperative learning would generalize to private schools, comparing mathematics achievement, friendship, attitude toward mathematics, and self-concept outcomes of students taught with and without cooperative learning. Significant increases in mathematics achievement surfaced for cooperative…

Currently, youth services are uncoordinated, youth workers are underpaid, and youth programs survive on hand-to-mouth funding. Although schools touch every child's life, they cannot singlehandedly repair this damaged youth ecosystem. Community development, a necessary partner in education reform efforts, will enmesh schools with other agencies in…

A teacher describes her experience applying the Foxfire approach to a particularly unruly fourth-grade class. A trip to an old-growth forest caught their attention and became their learning laboratory for the year. Practically every project they did focused around the forest, and they became a productive, hard working class. (TD)

Examines the social and emotional benefits for children in early childhood multiage classrooms and the strategies teachers implement to promote those developmental domains. Explores findings about the social and emotional advantages for students, and presents advantages and disadvantages from the multiage perspective. Reviews findings on…

Introduces a chemistry unit, the "Evolving Atom", based on a problem-based learning approach designed for non-science majors. Uses the case method to address memory loss in mice during instruction. (Contains 14 references.) (YDS)

A case study of a state advocacy group identifies four advocacy phases: educating all about the legislative process, building relationships, getting technical help, and setting goals; gaining recognition and learning to compromise; following a victory by publicizing the benefits and developing regulations; and maintaining relationships and…

Asserts that while economic development increasingly demands greater technological sophistication, community colleges are faced with growing numbers of developmentally challenged students. Suggests that learning communities may effectively resolve this paradox. Focuses on one small community college in Louisiana, where a learning community is in…

Using a cooperative and situated learning approach, two vocational English-as-a-Second-Language instructors created a linguistic community of practice among nonnative speaking immigrant restaurant employees and their native speaking coworkers. (Author/VWL)

Describes how using spreadsheets helped seventh grade algebra students develop problem-solving skills. Topics include the functional dualism of the spreadsheet as a text, uniting enactive and numeric modeling of word problems, new meanings and reciprocal learning, learning through problem "posing," higher levels of thinking, and decreasing…

Describes the implementation of an international joint course developed by Queen Margaret College in Scotland and the Royal School of Librarianship in Denmark introducing undergraduate students to tools and issues relevant to teleworking, or working at home. Discusses course objectives, class assignments, student assessment, and program…

Provides an overview of library cooperatives in Illinois. Considers their relationship to rural public libraries, previous attempts at evaluating cooperative systems, and current evaluation standards. Analyzes the results of a survey on the effectiveness of library cooperatives in Illinois with regard to continuing education, consultants'…