Connects the personal classroom experiences of a sociology professor with the changes in teaching methods over the last 30 years. Unequivocally, supports the more interactive teaching methods such as collaborative learning, role playing, simulations, and debates. Valuable appendix includes detailed descriptions of six group activities. (MJP)

Reviews the value of topic work with regard to the British National Curriculum guidelines on curriculum planning. After years of concentrating on issues of content in planning, consideration of basic aims and values in education is again urged. Topic work allows teachers to teach in depth areas of personal expertise and interest in a local…

Asserts that the pedagogical approach proposed by Friedrich Froebel in the 1930s can be found in the Art National Curriculum in England. Describes the Art National Curriculum and links it to Froebel's integrated and sequenced approach to curriculum development and instruction. (CFR)

Maintains that community enterprise projects help students develop academic, personal, and transferable skills, while enabling underfunded not-for-profit groups to achieve some of their goals. Provides several examples of programs and suggests methods of improvement. (MJP)

Proposes restructuring preservice teacher education programs to include the preparation of teacher researchers. Teacher educators redesigned two existing programs to include research methodology instruction. The paper presents methods of inquiry and strategies used to teach about research, offering examples of student work and evidence to support…

Reports on the impact of an introductory biology course sequence that incorporated experience-based, group learning. Achievement results indicate that students were not disadvantaged by this new approach and, in fact, displayed a superior grasp of group-work, open lab utilization, and creative problem solutions. Attitudes regarding anxiety over…

Discusses the Global Lab Project, developed to reform science education through the implementation of experiential, student-based collaborative inquiry. The use of telecommunications, affordable scientific tools, and innovative curricula to create a global community of student researchers engaged in real-world, hands-on investigation of global…

Maintains that citizenship education is a major goal of elementary school, social studies instruction. Explains four strategies to establish democracy in the classroom: discussions, democratic decision making, modeling, and examining reasons for democratic behaviors. Stresses linking rights to responsibilities and promoting respect for self and…

Reports results from a project designed to bring about student conceptual change by using multiple modeling and representation as well as links to other areas. Students developed rules as conveniences and meanings for symbols, were active in learning, made interpretations, and had confidence in their thinking. (MKR)

Contends that all genuine learning is active, not passive. Asserts that three educational principles are the foundation of effective social studies instruction: (1) active learning; (2) integration of language arts; and (3) appeal to multiple intelligences. Provides a history lesson plan based on these principles. (CFR)

Argues that a virtual field trip can complement and enhance a real one. Discusses the benefits and pitfalls of both types of field trips. Outlines a series of student and teacher activities combining an actual field trip and a virtual one to Fort Snelling in St. Paul, Minnesota. (MJP)

Argues that the preservation of areas like the Shoreline Park (California) wetlands depends on educating students about the value of natural resources. Describes the creation of a Web page on the wetlands for third-grade students by seventh-grade art and ecology students. Outlines the technical process of developing a Web page. (DSK)

Reports on a field project that allowed students to engage in problem solving, gather field data, and apply geographic concepts and tools. Students conducted a topographic survey of a shoreline and classified, counted, and weighed litter collected from the shoreline. Discusses the classification system and the students' findings. (MJP)

Explored learning and instruction within a technology-rich, collaborative, participatory learning environment by tracking the emergence of shared understanding and products through student and teacher practices. Found that becoming knowledgeably skillful with respect to a particular practice or concept is a multigenerational process, evolving in…

Describes a class project that combines Native American culture, art skills, and cooperative learning. The project involves assigned readings on the history and purpose of the totem pole. Students are then given a set of visuals and work in small groups constructing their own totem poles. (MJP)