Defines guided composition as composing music with as many prescribed parameters as a young composer needs. Although the melody should never be proscribed, instructional "controls" can be built into the rhythm, length (and repeats), scale, and clef. Includes excerpts from three K-4 compositions using this technique. (MJP)

Advocates and outlines an instructional strategy for developing critical-thinking skills in sociology classes. The "panning-for-gold" strategy requires students to interact continually with the material through questioning and evaluation. Includes a template of suggestions for critically evaluating material. Test results showed…

An introduction to five case studies of mathematics teachers and ancillary essays on implementation of instructional policy change at the classroom level is provided. The case studies and associated discussions focus on California's new Mathematics Framework, which features changes in textbooks, tests, and commonly held conceptions of subject…

A commentary on five case studies of implementation of instructional policy change at the classroom level by elementary school mathematics teachers is provided. The case studies focus on California's new Mathematics Framework. An organizational control perspective is taken in this commentary. (TJH)

This case study depicts a "traditional" fifth grade teacher's approach to implementing the California Mathematics Curriculum Framework. This teacher's beliefs and knowledge and their interplay with the state curriculum directives, his accountability to his students, and his commitment to their success are examined, with emphasis on the…

This discussion of educational technology and the role of computers is based on the author's experiences with the United Kingdom's National Development Programme in Computer Assisted Learning (NDPCAL). Highlights include curriculum development; teachers' roles; research and development; evaluation; control group experiments; instructional…

Describes the use of a telecommunications network by elementary school students in Texas for doing extra-credit homework. A pilot project in an innercity school that used equipment provided by a local corporation is described, use of the network during summer vacation is examined, and expansion of the program is discussed. (six references) (LRW)

This paper describes (1) the role of reflection in learning and teaching as presented at a Philippines-Australia Science and Mathematics Education Project training program; (2) the use of writing as a tool for reflection; and (3) examples of teacher reactions to the training on reflection. (25 references) (MDH)

This second article in a two-part series on telecommunications in secondary schools examines strategies for better support of telecommunications implementation. Highlights include management strategies for CMC (computer-mediated communication) use; instructional strategies for online database inquiries; teacher support strategies; simulation…

Based on a session at the 1990 annual conference of the American Society for Information Science (ASIS), this issue presents 14 articles that discuss innovations in curriculum and instructional methods in information science and how to share them internationally, especially with developing countries. Highlights include distance education and the…

Proposes new directions in educational research in the Soviet Union. Assigns priority to pedagogical research tasks. Premises discussion on a growing recognition of the need to promote individual creative development at all educational levels. Advocates extensive experimentation at laboratory schools and cooperation among branches of pedagogical…

Described are some of the visualization techniques employed in the computer-animated videotapes generated through the blending of commentary, animated imagery, music, and special effects. Instructions for procurement are included for these tapes, which are produced by Project MATHEMATICS! at the California Institute of Technology. (JJK)

Presented are the results of an extra-credit assignment to a group of intermediate-algebra students, which entailed the writing of word problems in poetic form. Included is the history of such writing from the trivial pursuitlike games of the Middle Ages in India. (JJK)

Identifies and discusses different ways in which teachers using constructivist and other approaches might teach a lesson on the Lexington Green incident of April 1775. In that incident British soldiers opened fire on colonial farmers, killing eight of them. Includes excerpts from eyewitness documents and other background material. (MJP)

In the Community of Explorers Project (CoE) high school teachers and students engaged in scientific problem solving using advanced network technology and innovative pedagogy. Analysis of e-mail indicated the important effects of organizational and occupational cultures on the application of technology in classrooms and on the development of a…