This book introduces third through sixth grade teachers to problem-based learning (PBL), a system for classroom instruction and curriculum development. It combines the PBL system with practice in locating, evaluating, and thinking about information from the Internet. It provides 8 PBL units for use in the classroom, offering instructions for…

Teachers need to stay abreast of the latest trends in the language arts to offer an updated curriculum. The language arts areas are vital in each academic discipline and integrate well with diverse subject matter areas. Some common trends when reading the literature on teaching the language arts are: portfolios; journaling; computerized reading…

This action research study examined the problem of the lack of work placement skills with a focus on time management, and an attitude of indifference on the part of the students. Student in the targeted vocational classroom were exhibiting a lack of preparation for learning that not only interfered with academic achievement but also possible…

Based on a technical infrastructure that supports face-to-face university teaching, an environment that enables small groups of lecturers to develop and maintain lecture material cooperatively was developed. In order to allow for a flexible use, only a few formal workshops are imposed on the users while cooperation is supported by easy-to-use…

This paper describes the use of the CoFIND (Collaborative Filter in N Dimensions) system to evaluate two assessment styles. CoFIND is a resource database that organizes itself around its users' needs. Learners enter resources, categorize, then rate them using "qualities," aspects of resources which learners find worthwhile, the n…

This book describes the current state of developments in distance education and distributed learning. The volume brings together some of the leading contemporary contributors in the areas of educational technology and distance education. Topics covered include research and evaluation in distance education, online communities, faculty productivity,…

This study proposes to understand the major practical and philosophical issues faced by community colleges as they continue to expand the economic development roles of their contract education programs. The author argues that these practical and philosophical issues are influenced by the convergence of three key factors: (1) many community…

This paper presents a review of the Virtual Factory Teaching (VFTS) project, a Web-based, multimedia collaborative learning network. The system allows students, working alone or in teams, to build factories, forecast demand for products, plan production, establish release rules for new work into the factory, and set scheduling rules for…

This action research project sought to improve the social skills of targeted third-graders. The problem of students exhibiting a lack of social skills was documented by means of student discipline referrals, anecdotal records, and teacher surveys. Evidence indicated that students failed to solve conflicts in positive manners, were unable to work…

In this interdisciplinary curriculum unit intended for ninth grade students, students explore in groups in a role playing format public policy questions related to rain forests. Examined in the lessons are political, economic, and ecological issues from which students are expected to make recommendations on what policy course should be followed.…

An extension of the 1999 Manual, "Development of Standards in Vocational Education and Training," this second volume presents the key terms and attitudes, reports on experience and knowledge in standards development collected in recent years on the basis of questions raised during the process, and suggests how to deal with the problems…

Libraries faced with the challenge of cooperative cataloging must maintain a high degree of unification within the library network (consortium) without compromising local libraries' independence. This paper compares a traditional model for cooperative catalogs achieved by means of a Union Catalog that depends entirely on replication of data…

This paper is a report of a year-long school-based study in Singapore that investigated the effects of the use of cooperative learning in elementary social studies classrooms on social studies achievement, attitude towards the subject, and classroom climate. Results indicated that lower ability pupils benefited the most from the use of cooperative…

This paper uses an evaluation of the School Based Youth Services Program (SBYSP), a school-linked, service-integration program in New Jersey, to explore how school-community collaborations can achieve both educational and social, emotional and behavioral outcomes. The paper provides background information on SBYSP and then presents organizational…

This Project Brief focuses on the Ford Foundation's Rural Community College Initiative (RCCI), which aims to help selected community colleges in distressed communities expand their capacity to increase access to postsecondary education and to foster regional economic development. RCCI is geared to specific geographic regions where communities face…