Studied how four aspects of quality instruction (quantity of assignments, coherence of instruction, student voice in curricular and pedagogical issues, and content of instruction) affect growth in reading achievement from grades 8 to 12. Findings for 8,157 students show the influence of some of these aspects. (SLD)

Outlines principles for holistic technology education by examining the following: (1) knowing and understanding through practical engagement with technology; (2) dialectics and praxis; and (3) the work of Dewey, Hegel, Feuerbach, and Marx. Identifies four interconnected factors: humans, applied setting, environment, and tools. (Contains 20…

Shows how story can assume a central role in building community in an adult English-as-a-Second-Language classroom. When story is the medium of learning rather than just the end, it is evident that learners' real needs are much greater than vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar. (Author/VWL)

Surveyed 67 English-as-a-Second-Language programs in canada to determine to what extent pronunciation is taught and which resources are most often used. Also sought demographic information about respondents and their ESL programs, classes and students, methods of teaching, and participants' attitudes. resources preferred by respondents are…

Discusses a secondary analysis of a user survey from 13 public libraries to isolate factors that contribute to high levels of performance by reference librarians and to identify reliable indicators that can be used to measure and evaluate reference services. Examined user ratings of reference services by transaction type, either self-generated or…

Describes a faculty development program designed specifically for engineering faculty and implemented on an eight-campus coalition of engineering schools. Reports that, in the five years of the program's existence, a large percentage of the faculty has participated and adopted proven but nontraditional teaching practices. Offers suggestions to…

Examines how preservice teachers' inquiry experiences in a science methods course were influenced by their conceptions of inquiry. Advocates that independent science investigations should part of preservice education and that these experiences should be scaffolded to prompt reflection, specifically about the nature of inquiry, and conceptually…

Discusses positive effects of digital photography on the teaching of mathematics and cost-effectiveness for schools. Discusses appropriate digital camera resolution, storage, printers, and handheld options for classroom use. (KHR)

Describes an activity based on shrinkable thermoplastics in which students explore the percentage of shrinkage of a plastic ruler when it is heated. Includes science content knowledge behind the shrink, national science education standards related to this activity, and a complete guide. (KHR)

Examined strategies used by one multicultural fifth grade teacher to nurture academic excellence in an inclusive classroom environment. Observation and interview data highlighted accommodation activities that supported and encouraged all students without limiting or impeding their academic or social development. Results are provided in the areas…

Offers insights into educational evaluation in Greece by presenting history and the current state of school effectiveness research. Reviews a number of studies, including studies from other countries, to examine the policy implications of school effectiveness research. (SLD)

Examines the effectiveness of a library instruction program at Concordia College, a four-year liberal arts college with fewer than 3,000 students. Measures it against a pilot group of students exposed to enhanced information literacy opportunities based on the ACRL (Association of College and Research Libraries) "Information Literacy for…

Describes an ecology curriculum primarily for elementary school students but also adaptable to junior and senior high school classes. Includes investigative and inquiry-based laboratory problems to accompany inquiry-based teaching. Connects the science learning that happens in school to students' own experiences. (SOE)

Presents an extension of an activity published in 1993 that teaches students about infectious agents and what steps can be taken to prevent the spread of disease. Gives students an opportunity to consider how scientists investigate diseases when they occur. (Author/SOE)

This article suggests strategies to improve perceived competencies in children with visual impairments. Strategies to increase perceptions of athletic competence include introducing role models and using behavior assessments. Guided discovery and peer tutoring are suggested teaching techniques. Strategies to improve social competence include…