The instructional techniques currently in use in many classrooms across the country were developed to teach children the "basics" and to instill good working habits adaptable to the industrial age. Although the term "learning style" first appeared in research literature in the 1950s, it did not burst upon the education scene significantly until…

This handbook serves as a guide for administrators and lead teachers in a staff development program for improving the quality of instruction in high schools in Oregon. The staff development program is divided into a 2-day basic training program and a 3-day advanced training program. In the first session, participants learn to establish learning…

This book provides a perspective on what standards for learning mean for daily practice in public education, offering teachers and administrators a four-part structure for organizing classrooms for teaching to the standards and giving teachers specific strategies for helping students reach the higher requirements. The four practices combine all of…

Explores student assessment by portfolio approach as used in the Arts PROPEL project. Argues that the content of art knowledge is embedded in a process approach in which techniques, elements, formal analysis, and historical images can be explored. Observes that learning is an active process and teacher student interactions concerning the portfolio…

This book is a manual that enables teachers to formulate an effective program of environmental education across multiple grade levels and cultural settings. A section provides tips for using the book, followed by nine chapters dealing with different aspects of developing and implementing an environmental education program. Chapter 1 presents a…

Young people entering post-secondary institutions or seeking employment generally require senior high school diplomas. There are few jobs available that do not require advanced levels of many kinds of literacy and most employers will consider only those applicants who have completed senior high school, even for entry-level positions. When English…

Argues that research shows that the concerns expressed about the Graded Assessment in Mathematics (GAIM) project are not serious and do not outweigh the positive benefits of the program. States that levels of achievement and development of mathematical learning are related. Urges the linking of summative and formative assessment. (KO)

Describes a classroom project for middle school students where developmental theory was translated into instruction promoting cognitive development. (MD)

A study of 30 first-year medical students in a physiology course found that frequent evaluation had a profound negative effect on learning, with students adopting a surface reproductive approach geared to passing exams rather than integrating knowledge. Lectures and curriculum organization failed to affect student use and structure of knowledge.…

Contends that performance assessment, or authentic assessment, is changing the way teachers evaluate and grade students. Describes the differences between traditional assessment and performance assessment. Argues that performance assessment is particularly suited for the social studies curriculum. (CFR)

Describes a two-day field experience in which college-level business and economics students visited businesses and municipal government organizations. Contends that preparatory experiences were essential to the program's success. Concludes that students were more optimistic about the economy and more enthusiastic about their future work in…

A preservice teacher education course in educational psychology focused on students (n=67) taking greater responsibility for learning through exposure to a variety of learning experiences, including curriculum negotiation, peer discussion and teaching, learning contracts, self/peer/collaborative assessment, and critical reflection. Locus of…

This sourcebook contains nine papers on various aspects of collaborative learning for students with emphasis on college level instruction (though some material relevant to secondary elementary education is also included). Contributors address what collaborative learning is, how is it implemented, how to assess it, and where it is used. Each…

A rationale is presented for evaluation of effective educational practices for mildly handicapped students in all mainstreamed classes, followed by discussions of mainstreaming evaluations that have been conducted. Areas of relevant research are also presented. Finally, a model of an effective evaluation system is offered. (Author/KM)

Career and Technology Studies (CTS) is an optional program designed for Alberta's secondary school students. The program is designed to help junior and senior high school students do the following: develop skills they can apply in daily living now and in the future; investigate career options and make effective career choices; use technology…