Improving student achievement hinges on adopting effective, research-based learning practices and activities. These include parent involvement, graded homework, direct teaching, aligned time on task, tutoring, cooperative learning, mastery learning, and teaching of learning strategies. Three high-achieving schools are profiled. (MLH)

Describes the CTP (Cooperation, Technology, and Performance) model and explains how it is used by the Department of Veterans Affairs-Veteran's Benefit Administration (VBA) for training. Discusses task analysis; computer-based training; cooperative-based learning environments; technology-based learning; performance-assessment methods; courseware…

Discusses cooperative learning and considers the use of interactive group software. Highlights include students' roles in groups; group accountability and peer pressure; the use of strong narrative; and characteristics to look for when reviewing software for interactive group use, including opportunity and context for group interaction and social…

Presents research on the scientific question-posing capabilities of 10th-grade students (n=127) who were studying air quality in a cooperative way using the jigsaw method. Finds that the difference between students at high and low academic levels to the extent of increase in both number and complexity of posed questions was significant. Contains…

Utilizes the psychological and sociocultural components of a constructivist paradigm to provide a detailed analysis of how the cognitive constructions students make as they enumerate 3D arrays of cubes develop and change in an inquiry-based, problem-centered mathematics classroom. Describes the classroom work of three pairs of 5th-grade students…

Addresses the needs of higher education institutions relative to the Key Skills which will be established across the revised National Curriculum being introduced by the British government in September 2000. (WRM)

This developmental and cultural study investigates the impact children's attributions and affects have on their willingness to help in achievement contexts. Findings support Weiner's (1980) attribution-emotion-action model, although interesting developmental and cultural differences were revealed. Classroom implications and directions for future…

Southeast Kansas Education Service Center (or Greenbush) cooperative aims to provide educational equity for rural school children. Greenbush, which began in 1975 and now serves 110 school districts throughout the state and nation, offers 180 programs including science workshops, interactive distance-learning programs, outdoor-challenge courses,…

Traces the development of an online unit for Indigenous Australian learners, and accounts for cultural issues that impacted on the design of learning tasks and the associated avenues for communication provided to learners. In this context, culturally responsive design was ensured by the adoption of Lave's (1991) community of practice model. (AEF)

Researches the history of the Virginia Plan for Dual Enrollment, reconstructing the evolution of dual-credit courses in Virginia. Traces the rationales for these programs, attempts to determine why certain decisions were made for the program in Virginia, and explores the impacts that the plan has had on students, faculty, and educational…

Presents examples of chemical education research that illustrate changes in focus, method, and direction over the past 50 years. Contains more than 50 references. (WRM)

Many U.S. schools offer a varied, often uncoordinated array of student support services. Improvement-oriented partnerships identified by the American School Health Association include collaborations with school psychologists, physical educators, social workers, and community and public-health agencies; and provision of parent-education and…

Discusses how early childhood teachers can provide a classroom environment that puts into practice theories related to emerging literacy. Describes holistic strategies used in one kindergarten that enhance literacy learning, including shared book experiences, huddle groups, language samples, self-directed learning time, student-developed…

Details the Collaborative Teacher Education Program (CTEP) at Indiana University, which offers Web-based continuing education courses to teachers in rural communities. Modes of delivery include videoconferencing, Web-based conferencing and instruction, and a completely Web-based course. Learner-centered instruction is promoted in three main areas:…

An interview with Wilbert McKeachie, a leading figure in college teaching and learning, focuses on advice for beginning faculty, including the importance of effective testing, mid-term student evaluations of teaching performance, discussion and questioning techniques, cooperative learning, and peer review strategies to improve college students'…