Describes the experiences of Maria Montessori and her son, Mario, during their internment in India during World War II. Discusses how their observations of communities of Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Muslims, and Zoroastrians at the Theosophical Society contributed to ideas related to the absorbent mind, and enabled the extension of the…

Describes how constructing concept maps and writing accompanying interpretive essays can be used in a Calculus I course to improve students' understanding of important concepts and help teachers assess students' knowledge. This combined approach allows students to explicitly communicate their knowledge and a chance to view mathematics as a…

Shared reading lets elementary teachers show children what reading is about. Teachers read the text aloud and encourage students to read along. All levels of readers can participate. Teachers can do letter or sound searches to help children understand how to use what they know about letters and spelling patterns in order to read unfamiliar words.…

Addresses common issues in teaching about American-Indian culture, history, and values, and discusses errors made by teachers of American-Indian students or when teaching other students about American Indians. Teachers' lack of knowledge about American-Indian culture and students and about their students' preferred learning styles is the greatest…

Reports results of an international study showing the United States ranking behind other countries in science and math. Compares differences in teaching methods and teacher preparation that may explain differences in the math performance of U.S. students. (SK)

A survey of 260 secondary and 251 postsecondary business educators found the former more likely to think computer ergonomic techniques should taught in elementary school and to address the hazards of improper use. Both groups stated that over half of students they observe do not use good techniques and agreed that students need continual…

Analyzes the change process which has taken place at Thames Valley University, England in learning and teaching strategies. Identifies constructivist approaches to learning as particularly influential in the development of distance education and supporting quality frameworks. (Author/AEF)

Criticizes the use of map coloring as an activity for teaching geography. Acknowledges that many teachers use it because it was how they were taught. Argues that children are inherently interested in geography and can be taught geographic skills in elementary school if the materials are presented well prepared. (DSK)

Examined the effects of active versus passive peer tutoring among African American first graders at risk for school failure, comparing both types of tutoring to teacher mediated instruction. Results of weekly spelling tests indicated that both peer tutoring methods produced spelling scores superior to scores in the teacher mediated group. Passive…

Describes what a computer-adaptive test (CAT) is, examines its roots, and points out some of the challenges this approach to assessment presents. (Author/VWL)

Examines how teachers can find the right balance between teaching and being human for their students who are growing up in a constantly changing technological society. Discusses dilemmas faced by caring teachers, technology and standards, and finding the balance in the classroom and community. (AEF)

Focuses on identifying the educational effects of "activity oriented" instructional techniques. Examines which instructional methods produce enhanced learning and comprehension. Discusses the problem of learning "sorting algorithms," a major topic in every Computer Science curriculum. Presents a low-tech, hands-on teaching method for sorting…

Discusses how teacher educators can critically examine their own conceptual frameworks, teaching methods, strategies, and techniques, and how they can maintain dialog with colleagues to make more thoughtful decisions about their own teaching practices and to more effectively link course content and the learning process. (Author/KB)

Focuses on the effects of the application of two problem-solving techniques--metacognitive and heuristic--on the achievement of students in the computation of creative mathematics problems. Results indicate that there was a significant difference in the achievement of experimental and control groups. Contains 24 references. (Author/ASK)

Analyzes the notion of structuring resources and their role in shaping mathematical activity. Examines ways in which nurses conceptualize ratio and proportion problems and provides a case study of two nurses discussing conflicting strategies when monitoring the fluid balance of a patient. Draws out some implications for the design of viable…