Suggests that, when real issues and problems are used as themes, student motivation and interest are significantly enhanced. Recommends using issue orientation to empower students to become problem solvers. Provides examples of projects used successfully in middle schools on the issue of smokers' versus nonsmokers' rights. (NL)

Examines a teaching strategy called "constructive controversy" where students are required to argue both the pro and con positions concerning a controversial current topic. Describes students' response to a class using this method to examine the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Student response was generally favorable. (MJP)

The paper argues that the strategies instructional approach should be infused into preservice teacher training programs. Reconfiguration of course structures and preparation experiences should include not only "what" is taught about learning and teaching, but also "how" teacher trainers incorporate the principles of strategies…

The learning productivity approach to higher education attempts to gain productivity, not so much by reducing or cheapening inputs but by enhancing higher education's major output: student learning. In the learning productivity perspective, the principal problem is in teaching and learning inefficiencies such as excessive nonlearning time,…

Investigated was the influence of an instructional strategy to help freshmen undergraduate students overcome misconceptions regarding the nature of evolutionary theory. Discusses the strategy that included writing statements, small group discussion, teacher presentation, interactive lecture/discussion, and individual reflections. (YP)

Describes a six-week study unit that requires students to examine specific aspects of the Iran-Contra affair in light of models such as presidential leadership style. The combination of a case study, student-centered cooperative learning, and writing across the curriculum proved popular with both the students and teacher. (MJP)

The study reported in this paper examined the effects of teaching learning strategies integrated with courses content on the study habits, attitudes, and mastery of course content of 122 students. Students enrolled in the experimental section of a freshman level course were taught learning strategies and course content; students in another section…

Describes the benefits and drawbacks of teaching a course outside one's area of expertise. Claims this enhances faculty development and alleviates burnout. Finds the positive aspects, personal and institutional, outweigh the negative. Results show favorable student evaluations. (Author/NL)

Includes an excerpt from "Tail Tigerswallow and the Great Tobacco War." Suggests using a similar story to design a social studies lesson to help students ask relevant social issue questions. Employs role playing, simulation, debate, and writing letters to editors in the lesson plans. (NL)

Discusses the Bradley Commission on History in School recommendations as part of the 1980s curriculum reform movement. Examines the problem of too many social science disciplines competing for space within the limited core curriculum. Analyzes several major reports published on social studies curriculum reform. Concludes with further questions…

Describes a classroom procedure that induces cognitive dissonance in students by pointing out inconsistencies between their behavior and attitudes. Argues that this technique makes teaching about cognitive dissonance easier. Reports that students positively evaluated the effectiveness of the activity. (CFR)

Instead of ignoring the controversial issues that emerge from discussions of gender, race, and sexuality, the author of this book addresses these issues head-on through the literature and writing he assigns. The book is about creating opportunities in the English classroom for students to become thoughtful, committed citizens. It is about…

A model for teaching social work students and professionals about widely existing severe, subtle, and overt forms of male controls and violence against women is described. Topics addressed during a three-hour workshop ranged from sexist language to harassment, battery, and femicide. Evaluation of workshops using the model suggest participants…

This paper describes what in the area of assessment is essential knowledge for a prospective teacher. The listings of topics which would be relevant for a course in measurement for preservice teachers are presented as they might appear in a course syllabus. For each topic, the rationnale for its inclusion is given, as well as the skills which…

Describes an experimental course involving teacher debate designed to utilize controversy while avoiding unfair teacher influence. Outlines the course format and analyzes it from the teacher and student perspective. Makes observations concerning difficulties experienced and offers suggestions for those readers wishing to replicate the procedure.…