Describes portfolio assessment, recommending it as a means of dynamic and ongoing student evaluation. For students, portfolios stimulate thinking and promote independence. For teachers, they provide a multidimensional view of each child's development. The article explains how to get started, customize portfolio contents, collect notes, and manage…

The article explains how students keep work portfolios and exhibit portfolios to organize their written work and showcase their accomplishments in science; it also explains how students learn about scientific concepts through hands-on research and how portfolios are integral to the program. Teacher tips are included. (SM)

A teacher dismisses 10 common myths about teaching and explains how they can get in the way of teaching. (MT)

A history teacher changed his teaching approach to help students develop the skills of formulating hypotheses, gathering and organizing information related to the hypotheses, and determining if the data supported the hypotheses. The attack on "The Maine" in 1898 is used as an example. (MT)

Fifteen ideas for rewarding and motivating students without using stickers are offered. An inset box presents seven more ideas for intermediate students. (MT)

An English teacher discusses how she teaches her students to take responsibility, to build a positive attitude, to listen and concentrate, to think, and to study. Only then are they ready to learn English. (MT)

Math doesn't have to be mysterious--even though its language is strange and its customs confusing. Like any foreign country, it can become familiar through exposure and understanding. Six ways to take the mystery out of math are described. (MT)

A teacher shares her technique for improving student writing: add detail. Forget organization, cutting, and adding more information. Get students to focus only on adding more detail to information already included. Examples are given. (MT)

Writing and teaching networks provide a way for teachers to support each other by sharing their writing, by reflecting on teaching of writing, and by talking over problems and progress. Ways administrators can facilitate such groups and ways for teachers to organize meetings are suggested. (MT)

This step-by-step approach to class plays will allow students to explore literature, think creatively, and learn to work together. Discussed are how to teach acting, choosing a story, teaching the story, rehearsing, and creating costumes and sets. (MT)

Students need to be able to classify mapping devices, map purposes, and code forms so that skills learned on one map setting can be readily transferred to any map using the same techniques. (MB)

Teachers are provided with several experiments for primary students that address concepts related to the properties of air, sound, and water. (IAH)

Gifts can link class discussions to the real world while involving children in reading, travel, or a search for information. They make children more receptive to the teacher, school in general, and ultimately to the subject. Ways to find cheap or free gifts for students are discussed. (MT)

Magic can stimulate children to think creatively and retain what they learn. This article offers tips and step-by-step instructions to bring magic into the classroom. Children learn scientific principles, are required to read and follow sequential instructions, and are encouraged to stand in front of the class. (MT)

This article presents a rationale and technique for stimulating students' interest in literature. An example, featuring author Donald Crews, is provided. A list of authors of books suitable for primary and middle grades is included together with an author information resource guide. (IAH)