Argues that, in all subject areas, assessment trends are moving toward teaching concepts rather than teaching facts, and toward application of information and skills. Discusses how rubrics are helpful in specifying what criteria student performance and proficiency levels should be evaluated. Offers three rubrics (problem solving, group oral…

Presents readers' responses to an ethical dilemma "What Should a Teacher Do When a Parent Defines Academically Rigorous Education Differently Than She Does?" Notes that responses focused on defending practices rather than working with parents. Presents suggestions from a principal for a K-2 school, including developing an assessment…

Young pupils find collaborative learning hard to sustain, even though it is recommended by developmental psychology and classroom intervention theories. Investigates the effect of two role attribution strategies on communication in peer groups of different gender composition in 8th grade science classes. Confirms the effectiveness of social role…

A study explored middle school students' (N=54) perceptions of problem difficulty, persistence, and knowledge, and use of problem-solving strategies in solving mathematical word problems. Students with learning disabilities rated problems as significantly more difficult and had a significantly lower total word problem score than both average and…

A study involving 11 boys (ages 6-12) with high-functioning autism and 11 boys with moderate-functioning autism examined memory strategy use on a serial recall task and a recall readiness task. Significant spontaneous strategy use was found on both tasks, particularly among the high-functioning group, although still lower than typical controls.…

A study investigated whether rotating three-dimensional objects using virtual reality would affect flexible thinking in 14 children (ages 8-11) with hearing impairments. Children played virtual 3-D Tetris individually, 15 minutes once weekly over 3 months. Before-and-after testing showed significantly improved flexible thinking in the experimental…

Based on work by Howard Gardner and James Comer, this article discusses the importance of creating and maintaining community-based relationships as part of community-based education. Students go beyond basic core academics and develop values and the freedom to uncover and resolve community problems or concerns. (MLH)

Information technology cannot produce marvelous outcomes if the classroom environment lacks opportunities for communication, decision making, and genuine problem solving. Teachers must be proficient software uses before they can use it to teach others. Curriculum and testing standardization is also undermining the teacher-student relationship.…

This article describes a primary prevention program designed to deter aggression and promote social competence of children from preschool through Grade 9. The curriculum is organized around three areas of social-emotional competency: empathy, social problem-solving, and anger management. Instructional strategies and supportive school contexts are…

This chapter provides a list of essential reference texts for community college deans to turn to in times of crisis. Problem areas addressed are: faculty evaluation, sexual harassment, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), discipline and termination, copyright, student privacy, student discipline, and general legal procedures. (VWC)

Considers how to enhance media literacy in university media courses and offers a case study of a flexible learning project designed to help first-year undergraduates acquire independent skills of research, information management, reading, analysis, problem-solving, and writing. Discusses planning strategies, modules, learning activities,…

Discusses the development and use of Personal Assistants for Learning (PALs) computer tutorials for teaching applications of Newton's Laws. Finds that the tutorials were nearly as effective as individual tutoring by expert teachers and considerably more effective than the instruction provided in a well-taught physics class. (Contains over 30…

Discusses science education reform and changes in teaching and learning processes. Compares higher order cognitive skills to lower order cognitive skills in learning, and gives rationales for advocating higher order cognitive skills. (Contains 38 references.) (YDS)

A study investigated the ways that six general and special education teachers and five school staff worked to identify and solve their concerns about children with disabilities in their classrooms. Educators collaborated to resolve concerns about children with disabilities by following problem-solving steps somewhat similar to traditional…

Describes a family intervention and support program which uses counseling, behavior management, and skills-development. The program provides support for parents, addressing their emotional needs and helping them learn and then teach problem-solving skills. Discusses techniques, such as active listening skills, team training procedures, and…