Describes how a cooperative learning environment can be created in the anatomy and physiology laboratory through the use of cooperative quizzes. Includes a brief introduction to the pedagogical theory behind cooperative learning and an evaluation of the effectiveness of quizzes compared with more traditional methods. (Author/PVD)

Describes a study that compares the performance of introductory physics students on two examination problems. One problem is qualitative and similar to those used in an inquiry approach. The second problem is a typical quantitative problem. Those students enrolled in the inquiry-based introductory course performed significantly better than those…

Focuses on Standard 4: Knowing Mathematical Pedagogy from the "Professional Teaching Standards" from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Uses the profile of an algebra teacher and his pedagogy to explore how this standard might be exemplified in practice. (DDR)

Describes an exploration of how light-up shoes work in which students become a community of scientists through debating, questioning, experimenting, formulating ideas, researching, collaborating, and communicating their understandings. (JRH)

A 1993-94 mailed survey of 490 residents in U.S. Army graduate medical education programs asked the respondents to rank the most helpful and least helpful faculty teaching behaviors, based on the 38 teaching behaviors identified by Wolverton and Bosworth. Found a high degree of concordance in the rankings by primary care and nonprimary care…

Describes a study that was conducted to establish empirically a set of instructional design project success indicators and to determine whether stakeholder perspective influences the importance attached to those indicators. Seven project success indicators were identified, suggesting that the common evaluation models are incomplete. (Author/LRW)

Describes a simple and graphic demonstration of molecular motion that utilizes a hot plate, a beaker, tap water, India ink, and a Pasteur pipette with a rubber bulb. Provides tips on guiding students to an understanding of molecular motion using this demonstration. (DDR)

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) standards recommend interactive classroom discourse, including student questions and initiatives, rather than teacher-centered recitation structures, such as the traditional initiation-reply-evaluation sequence (IRE). This study explores how student questions and initiatives arise during a…

Describes how one elementary educator teaches word study strategies that enlarge students' understanding of phonics and vocabulary. A primary level activity has students create a thematic word wall. An intermediate level activity has students conduct a new word hunt. A reproducible student page helps students sort words by sound. (SM)

Presents a writing mini-lesson for primary and intermediate elementary school students that encourages them to spend more time on verbs and less time on details in order to improve their overall writing. A sidebar provides a list of useful children's books. (SM)

Teacher evaluation ratings were studied for gender bias using actual ratings of 80 teachers by four female and seven male principals in a school district. Results suggest that male principals do not discriminate against female teachers, although a pro female difference is found for factors of professionalism and instruction. (SLD)

Examines four types of evidence of literacy trends and performance among schools and students: national literacy data; then-and-now studies; Scholastic Aptitude Test trends; and test renorming studies, particularly those pertaining to the 1970s. Argues that both sides of the debate concerning the quality of education have misrepresented evidence…

Adult migrant learners of English were studied to investigate the effect of instruction on interlanguage development. Examination of the acquisition of a syntactic structure, "do-fronted questions," supported claims for the productiveness of form-focused instruction and suggested that the success of instruction depended on whether specific…

Describes how a course on censorship taught at an all-girls high school in Tacoma, Washington, drew on current event controversies to initiate discussion. Outlines the course's four units and uses Ray Bradbury's "Fahrenheit 451" to frame course questions. (TB)

Presents three short essays designed to stimulate teachers in their approaches to teaching literature and writing as the school year draws to a close. (TB)