Based on the author's experiences, this article presents approaches to aid in developing interactive presentations. Galaxy and funnel methods offer more room for creativity when compared to metaphors such as step, line, and road models. Highlights include diagrams, personal narratives of advantages, disadvantages, and steps taken in creating an…

Explores, in the context of a debate about velocity from the author's high school physics class, how a perspective of students as having epistemological beliefs might influence a teacher's perceptions of students and intentions for instruction. (LZ)

In physical education and athletics, teachers use video to help with instruction and demonstration. Interpersonal Process Recall lets students direct videotape viewing of their physical education activities so they can better comprehend their motor skill performance. Interactive discussions about the tapes help students evaluate their learning and…

Institutional, program, and student evaluation should focus on increasing the effectiveness of academic programs and improving student learning and performance. All higher education regional accrediting associations have requested more emphasis on assessment. The paper examines accreditation, approaches to assessment, and use of the Role…

Results of an evaluation of four school-based acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) education programs are presented. The importance of evaluation in such programs is explored, and the need to consider current developments in the AIDS field in the design and evaluation of such programs is highlighted. (SLD)

In this 3-year field study of emergency medical technicians (n=373), a framework for defining stress and categorizing psychoeducational stress reduction programs was developed. The overall effect of program type on measures related to job stress was determined, as well as the relative impact of each program in the near and long term. (JPS)

Provides a rationale for the shift from textbook to thematic instruction in middle schools. Describes a six-session staff development model for thematic instruction that covers the utility and applicability of this approach, development of thematic units, use of literature in such units, assessment of student progress, and implementation of…

Exam scores and final grades of college students (n=34) enrolled in a cooperative learning section of a remedial mathematics course were higher than students (n=42) in a section taught using traditional lecture methods. (15 references) (Author/MKR)

Kinesthetic apparatus make physics learning experiences stimulating, memorable, and influential in helping students relate natural phenomena to the laws of physics. Describes a number of experiments and demonstrations that are possible with kinesthetic apparatus, which help eradicate some traditional student misconceptions and provide students…

Argues that inclusion of demonstrations on examinations increases students' ability to observe carefully the physical world around them, translate from observation in terms of models, and make quantitative estimates and physicist-type "back-of-the-envelope" calculations. Presents demonstration ideas covering the following topics:…

Describes a strategy for presenting ideas of atomic physics in the laboratory portion of the course before it is introduced during a lecture in order to give students an appreciation for the concepts involved, a historical look at how the field developed, and a comprehensive review of physics concepts. Presents a worksheet for the Bohr atom…

Describes the graphing calculator as a new graphical approach to standard physics problems. Presents a collision problem to illustrate its use. (JRH)

Surveys the use of poster sessions with undergraduates in a mathematical modeling course, outlines the rationale for using posters with mathematics students, and describes experiences and proposes criteria to use in the assessment of student posters. (12 references) (Author/MKR)

Describes a soap-solution activity involving formation of bubbles encasing the students that requires only readily available materials and can be adapted easily for use with various grade levels. Discusses student learning outcomes including qualitative and quantitative observations and the concept of surface tension. (JRH)

Describes an activity that introduces children to the diversity of life in a pond. Lists four resources. (JRH)