Describes a calculator-based lesson designed to use technology as a tool to enhance students' conceptual understanding of functions. (KHR)

Reports findings from the team teaching of a course in mathematical problem solving designed for secondary and community college teachers to clarify the concept of ."ecessary and sufficient" conditions. Discusses assigned problems and students' incorrect interpretations. Student interpretations showed how simple mistakes can often lead to rich…

Explores challenges of learning to think about data as signal and noise. Examines the signal/noise metaphor in the context of three different statistical processes: (1) repeated measures; (2) measuring individuals; and (3) dichotomous events. Makes several recommendations for research and instruction on the basis of this analysis. (Author/KHR)

Surveys the growing body of research on formulaic language units--or ready-made chunks and sequences of words. Evidence suggests that these multi-word lexical units facilitate long-term memory storage and fluent language production. Examines formulaic language acquisition in children and adults and discusses applications for teaching. (Author/VWL)

Suggests that a good strategy for helping English language learners to develop communicative competence in English is by pairing them with native English speakers. In such conversation programs, conversation partners should be provided with topics and activities that incorporate the goals, interests, and experiences of the learners. Recommends…

Reports on a content-based elementary Chinese as a foreign language program. Focuses on classroom language activities that are designed and implemented to serve the dual goals of language development and cultural learning. Investigated how classroom activities are organized to integrate culture/content and language learning for young beginners.…

Presents the findings of a study of the computerized assessment of essays on a final-year module within an undergraduate degree program. Students were required to create an essay, self-assess it, perform peer assessment, then reflectively self-assess their work for a second time after peer feedback. Discusses assessing higher order cognitive…

Describes one instructor's approach to incorporating simulations and classroom discussions into a differential equations course. Discusses subsequent effects on student learning attitudes and outcomes in conceptualizing and applying ideas regarding solutions to differential equations in this learning environment. Explores issues on…

Examines the questioning strategies used by (n=48) preservice teachers during one-on-one diagnostic mathematics interviews with children. Conducts audiotaped interviews, following analyses, and reflection on the interview. Indicates that using the diagnostic interview format allows preservice teachers to recognize and reflect upon effective…

Explores ways in which Information Communication Technology (ICT) can be used within the classroom environment to enhance pupils' learning and understanding of mathematics. Describes how to incorporate ICT into lessons investigating mathematical proof. (KHR)

Introduces an inquiry-based lesson plan on evolution and the Galapagos Islands. Uses the 5E instructional model which includes phases of engagement, exploration, explanation, elaboration, and evaluation. Includes information on species for exploration and elaboration purposes, and a general rubric for student evaluation. (YDS)

This year-long study exposed preservice elementary teachers in Fiji to pedagogy based on a constructivist view of learning in order to improve their content knowledge and provide them with greater confidence to teach science. Qualitative and quantitative analysis indicated that the constructivist-based teaching approach led to improved learning,…

Discusses a program to improve library instruction at Rider University (New Jersey) and reports on a pilot assessment. Topics include problems with assessment; student assessment tools; and five standards based on ACRL (Association of College and Research Libraries) standards that were designed to improve teaching methods to address learning…

Presents a laboratory activity on enzymes. Uses common items found in the supermarket that contain protease enzymes, such as contact lens cleaner and meat tenderizer. Demonstrates the digestion of gelatin proteins as part of enzymatic reactions. (Author/SOE)

Describes how to teach elementary students about vocal improvisation using the Kodaly-based approach. Discusses the three steps involved in this technique: (1) develop familiar singing patterns; (2) use a question and answer format; and (3) begin improvisation. Includes examples of solfege patterns and a vocal question and answer. (CMK)