This book is one of four books in the Science-by-Design Series crated by TERC and funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). It integrates history, physics, mathematics, and technology in its challenge to high school students to design and build a working catapult system. Students investigate elasticity, projectile launching, and learn about…

This digest reviews what is known about adult English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) learners and learning disabilities, suggests ways to identify and assess ESL adults who may have learning disabilities, and offers practical methods for both instruction and teacher training. Topics covered in some detail include identifying and diagnosing learning…

This paper describes the instructional devices and innovations developed and used by Gerbert D'Aurillac (ca. 947-1003), who was elected Pope Sylvester II in 999, and their subsequent impact on education in medieval Europe. The effect of prevailing thought on Gerbert's innovations is also described. The first section examines the historical context…

This report presents (in a non-technical way) the process the Carnegie Hall program evaluators used to assess student learning during the 1996-1997 LinkUp! Program. Although the report contains documents that are specific to that particular year's theme, the process and examples included may be helpful to educators in other arts organizations who…

Educational assessments that exploit advances in technology and cognitive psychology can produce observations and pose student models that outstrip familiar test-theoretic models and analytic methods. Bayesian inference networks (BINs), which include familiar models and techniques as special cases, can be used to manage belief about students'…

Volume 1 of this sourcebook is a compendium of information about tests used to assess critical thinking, problem solving, and writing. It serves as a tool for people who want comparative data about the policy relevance of specific student outcomes measured in these areas. An interactive version of Volume 1 allows users to specify their areas of…

For the individual seeking a counselor education faculty position, the journey is a complicated process. In addition to the assistance given to doctoral students, it is important for these students to be self-advocates in their own professional development. This paper provides suggestions, information, and self-advocacy recommendations for…

Structural equation modeling (SEM) attempts to remove the negative influence of measurement error and allows for investigation of relationships at the level of the underlying constructs of interest. SEM has been regarded as a "large sample" technique since its inception. Recent developments in SEM, some of which are currently available…

In the information age of instant access to libraries, databases, information centers, organizations, government agencies, and self-appointed experts worldwide, it is hard to decide where to turn for accurate, reliable, and up-to-date information about science education. This digest provides an annotated listing of World Wide Web resources and…

The study of the natural space environment and its effects on spacecraft is one of the most important and least understood aspects of spacecraft design. The Space Environments and Effects (SEE) Program prepared the Meteoroids and Orbital Debris Lesson Plan, a SEE-focused high school curriculum to engage students in creative activities that will…

This book is a practical survival guide to unemployment that offers a thoughtful, step-by-step process for getting organized and getting the work one needs for a satisfying, productive, and happy life. It does not teach the reader how to set up a resume or how to interview. It does teach how to find out what the reader wants to do, what he or she…

The process of learning cooperatively improves the acquisition and retention of content and skills throughout the curriculum. This booklet provides information and tips on the use of cooperative learning in the classroom and how technology can be helpful. Tips for groupmaking, self-allocating roles, complementary information, conflicting…

This paper is based on the on-going research work and teaching carried out in the Mathematics Foundations Course (MFC) at Goldsmiths College, University of London. It is argued that teaching adult students mathematical investigation has given insight into the way they learn mathematics better and removes the barriers of mathematics phobia. It…

This is a "how to" book for school-leader selection, appraisal, and development. It focuses on ways in which to measure components of leadership so that leadership evaluation can move beyond impressionistic opinions. The text is divided into five chapters. The rationale for leadership assessment, along with the dangers to be avoided in such…

The Learning Record is a framework teachers can use to translate their observations of students into a disciplined, systematic, standards-based reporting process. This guide offers all the information necessary to use the Learning Record in elementary school. The chapters are: (1) "Documenting Prior Experience"; (2) "Documenting Student Learning";…