Virtual worlds have been linked with e-learning applications to create virtual learning environments (VLEs) for the past decade. However, while they can support many educational activities that extend both traditional on-campus teaching and distance learning, they are used primarily for learning content generated and managed by instructors. With…

The Exploring Florida Science project goals were: (1) increasing content knowledge of secondary science teachers, specifically in topics that are important to the future of the state, and (2) providing secondary science students with digital media for use in project-based learning. A team of instructional designers, educators, scientists, web…

This case study examines the learning, identity and language development experienced by "overage" 8th-grade students who have been left behind two or more years in their New York City middle school and are participating in an extended-day video documentary program. The students practise a range of literacy skills naturally embedded in…

Research-oriented learning mode that based on network is significant to cultivate comprehensive-developing innovative person with network teaching in education for all-around development. This paper establishes a research-oriented learning mode by aiming at the problems existing in research-oriented learning based on network environment, and…

Direct instruction teaching methods have been found to promote the acquisition of literacy in developing readers. Equally important, learning strategies that allow children to construct knowledge through active participation increase their motivation for reading and writing. This action research was designed to explore the effectiveness of direct…

Recent research has demonstrated that active learning techniques improve student comprehension and retention of abstract economic ideas such as rent seeking. Instructors can reinforce the concept of rent seeking with a classroom game, particularly one involving real money. The authors improve upon a game first introduced by Goeree and Holt (1999)…

At a recent state social studies conference, the author relates that he conducted a session on how to integrate historical thinking into history instruction. Even with modest optimism, the author expected just a few participants for his "after-lunch" session. Much to his shock and pleasant surprise, the author presented to a full room of eager…

In this article, the author describes her attempt to develop more interactive mental mathematics sessions. She observed that her students perceive the multiplication tables as a series of facts which are either known or not known, not as tools which could be used to derive other facts in a flexible manner. She therefore undertook the task of…

This study compared the performance of students using the Science Writing Heuristic (SWH) approach and students using a standard or traditional laboratory curriculum on lecture exams and a laboratory practical exam on a specific topic, chemical equilibrium. The SWH helps students do inquiry science laboratory work by structuring the laboratory…

Within the framework of MIT's course 1.00: Introduction to Computers and Engineering Problem Solving, this paper describes an innovative project entitled: "Studio 1.00" that integrates lectures with in-class demonstrations, active learning sessions, and on-task feedback, through the use of wireless laptop computers. This paper also describes a…

The paper will explore Biggs' concept of constructive alignment in the context of work-based learning (WBL). In his book "Teaching for Quality Learning at University" Biggs quotes Tyler making the claim that "Learning takes place through the active behaviour of the student: it is what "he" does that he learns, not what the teacher does". Biggs'…

This report, third in a series on the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), covers 22 items from the NSSE that measure active learning within and outside the classroom. Comparisons were provided by the NSSE with other urban institutions that participated in the survey process. Results were also compared with those from the 2000 NSSE to see…

Since the inception of the CAL program in 1990, JP Morgan Chase, Public Education Network, and New Visions for Public Schools have provided grantees with various opportunities to share the knowledge they have gained, as well as the tools and methods they have developed during the creative active learning process. Although PEN and New Visions…

Participatory action research is defined by the need for action, initiated by participants. It creates knowledge needed for action, and it is a learning process. Learning results from participation, from creating new knowledge, and from affirming the importance of knowledge people already have. (SK)

In lieu of lectures, instructional packages with audiotapes on maternal-child nursing theory were given to students prior to interactive classes. The majority favored the audiotape/interactive class format and liked self-pacing. Faculty could spend more time planning interactive content and observed that students were better prepared for class.…