Argues that, although the "at-risk" label when applied to African-American students is often appropriate, assumptions of intellectual deficiency attached to the phrase are mistaken. Socioeconomic factors are more likely determinants of the early reading difficulties encountered disproportionately by these students. Suggests strategies…

Asserts that social studies instruction can help teach mathematical reasoning skills through integrated activities. Recommends heterogeneous grouping to ensure that students have access to mathematics instruction. Includes four activities combining social studies content with mathematical skill instruction. (CFR)

Describes a study documenting the planning and implementation processes of 17 Tech Prep consortia in a Midwest state. Discusses the processes used by local consortia in initiating Tech Prep, the roles and responsibilities of Tech Prep leaders, and their perceptions about specific strategies that contributed to the establishment of successful…

Investigates the impact of macroprocessing and microprocessing strategy instruction on text learning among high school remedial students over a 6-week period. Results indicate that, of 66 students assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups, the macro-level group exceeded the other 2 groups on comprehension and on immediate and delayed passage recall…

Examines the following five teaching techniques that have strong motivational value: (1) study groups, (2) group projects, (3) sharing information, (4) computer-assisted instruction, and (5) field trips. (PR)

Presents a list of 11 advantages that hands-on science instruction has over science instruction via television. Teaching methods encourage activities that appeal to sensual stimulation, problem solving, student interests, and cooperative learning. (MDH)

Discusses the effectiveness of four models of school/agency partnerships as vehicles for professional development and educational reform--models based on level of involvement, interaction, impact, or organization. Across models, common characteristics of effective partnerships include dynamism, mutual goals, parity, and commitment. Partnerships in…

Outlines current directions that computer assisted language learning (CALL) is taking, highlighting CALL's social dimension and discussing Turkle's books, "Language Learning Through Social Computing" and "Life on the Screen." The paper explains that the current social context, which includes rich, user-friendly environments for sharing, discourse,…

Reports an experiment in collaborative essay testing in a college course, finding some improvement in achievement, significant reduction in test anxiety, and student engagement in reflective thinking similar to metacognition. In addition, partners generally participated equally in test preparation and content. Suggestions are made for implementing…

The Foxfire core practices are woven into all class activities at a multiage, inclusive K-2 class in Asheville (North Carolina), characterized by active learning, small-group work, and peer teaching. Students are more motivated and have higher self-esteem when they make decisions. All practices met the state's curriculum and testing requirements.…

Examines a junior teacher internship project in which a group of third-year Australian university students of Japanese participated regularly in first-year-Japanese classroom activities. Discusses learner autonomy and cooperative learning, the project procedures, and project evaluation in terms of reactions by both first-year and third-year…

Describes the organization and learning activities of a unit on Chinese folk tales in an inclusive third-grade classroom. The unit features scaffolding of integrated strategies, ongoing assessment, challenges and accommodations, and collaboration with the special-education teacher. Benefits of the approach in a social studies class are noted, such…

Discusses why many girls relative to boys experience difficulties when required to speak in formal, public, or unfamiliar contexts. While girls are recognized as good at using collaborative talk in small groups, the public voice is valorized in the world outside school. Reviews current debate in Britain on underachieving boys in light of the…

Explores the possibilities for developing autonomous learners by using participation in curriculum development, collaborative learning, and self- and peer assessment. A university research-methodology curriculum unit with this aim is described. Student outcomes included increased motivation, excitement, confidence, in-depth learning, appreciation…

Reports a case study in a Singapore school where a group of at-risk secondary students were given a series of linked computer-based projects. Describes the conceptual framework based on constructivism and situated learning and discusses benefits in academic performance, student motivation, language development, cooperation and stress management,…