Studied operationalization of sociocultural competence for classroom learners and explored the benefit to learners of explicit training in strategies for coping with social and cultural situations. Includes a taxonomy of sociocultural strategies, description of explicit strategy training developed for a Russian English-as-a-Foreign-Language…

Discusses a project which explored more appropriate technological options for distance education with Maori than printed study guides and the Internet. Describes the theoretical base that underpins the project; develops a model for working cross-culturally in distance education; and provides a rationale for the use of an "intermediate"…

Discusses the gap between what preservice teachers are taught about technology and what they are expected to do with technology as classroom teachers. Describes a study of preservice teachers that investigated whether the integration of technology into elementary method courses would positively influence their self-reported confidence levels in…

Reports on the Victorian Science in Schools Research Project (VSSRP) which was developed to help teachers support student learning of science content. Reviews research on student learning of science concepts and traces changes over the last two decades. (Contains 46 references.) (Author/YDS)

Investigates whether preschool children aged 4.5-6 can construct the concept of mechanical stability through structured hands-on activities that involve the building of a tower on an inclined plane and the use of cans of various sizes and weights. Presents a theoretical framework for teaching and learning physics in the early years. (Contains 47…

Discusses one way of addressing the difficulty of mastering a large number of concepts through the use of ConcepTests; that is, multiple choice questions given in a lecture that test understanding as opposed to calculation. Investigates various types of ConcepTests and the material they can cover. (Author/KHR)

Describes a lesson plan from Metro's environmental planning and transportation curriculum called 'Planning for a Livable Future'. Focuses on activities in which students speculate about necessary structure, imagine the cultural and environmental changes, and design and draw structures to meet the needs of the future population. (Author/KHR)

Uses self-report data from school contexts to cluster participating (n=33) senior high school biology teachers in Harare, Zimbabwe according to their own perceptions of the contextual circumstances of their schools. Reports that in theory lessons, teachers from the self-perceived better-resourced schools used less individual organization and less…

Describes a beginning algebra course that places stronger emphasis on learning to solve problems and introduces topics using real world applications. Students learn estimating, graphing, and algebraic algorithms for the purpose of solving problems. Indicates that applications motivate students by appearing to be a more relevant topic as well as…

Suggests some helpful trade books and activities to nurture creativity and inventiveness. (KHR)

Describes collaborative teaching with real-world scientists in inquiry-based classrooms. Discusses its influence on students' attitudes toward science and their interest in science careers. (Author/KHR)

Describes an oral curriculum constructed to help students develop a personal understanding of literature in a demanding academic program. Notes that an integral part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program is centered on the need for students to create both oral and written commentaries as part of their assessment. Concludes that this oral…

Proposes that many times, English language art teachers fail to "mind the gaps" that exist between students' interest, reading abilities, levels of life experience, and the worlds of the texts they are asked to read as part of the curriculum. Suggests that each piece of difficult text needs a specific bridge tailored to its particular difficulties…

Agricutlure teachers using modified A/B (n=12) or 9-week 4x4 (n=10) block schedules were surveyed. The value of relevant inservice education was positively related to satisfaction with effective teaching practices and student achievement. Teacher satisfaction with opportunities to use effective practices was associated with achievement, especially…

Compares video and audio stimuli for listening assessment as well as multiple choice and constructed response modes, using modifications of the ACT Work Keys Listening and Writing assessment and the ACT Work Keys Listening for Understanding prototype. Confirms that examinees do less well on constructed response than on multiple choice responses.…