Presents the results of the Best Teaching Idea contest that sparked a response that flooded the editors with entries. Here are the 20 adjudged the best ranging all the way from self-made computers to games made by kids to be played with parents. (Editor/RK)

Teachers in the English department at the Harley School, Rochester, New York, developed a program in theater as a continuing and inherent part of the English curriculum. (Author/RK)

Logic, basic skills and imagination are the bricks and mortar of a student "Architects' Studio". (Editor)

A geographer and a teacher present 12 "action packs" to show you how to obtain your goals for geography instruction. (Editor/RK)

Using collages, stencils and graffiti, kids get perspective on an important subject--themselves. (Editor)

Making puppets can provide a refreshing change for you and your students, an opportunity for experimentation, a chance to have fun together. Describes a simple puppetmaking technique. (Author/RK)

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…

Looks at some work done by children who are encouraged to use the techniques of the professional historian. (Editor)

Suggests methods for music teachers to use in helping at-risk students gain confidence in electronic music composition class. Recommends that at-risk students be given leadership roles and worked with on an individual basis. Emphasizes maintaining a supportive, nonthreatening, and creative classroom environment where students can feel positive and…

This manual encourages teachers, business people, and administrators to create innovative local school/business programs by listing and describing American programs that have been proven successful. A directory describing the role of businesses in education is included. Additional comments and program descriptions are divided into three…

Mothers and fathers won't stay away from school if you encourage them to become active participants. (Editor)

Professor Loney writes further about his "Project Design" concept (initially described in the September 1976 issue and noted in EJ 149 766) involving group participation in selection, design, construction, testing, and evaluation of projects. Although implementation has been in secondary technical subjects, the concept may be applicable…

High school principals should make every effort to encourage student and staff participation in extracurricular activities. Out-of-class activities provide a forum where students can learn valuable leadership training and obtain skills useful for their future. Jim Sabard, in "Student Council Advisors: Let the Students Shine," offers suggestions to…

Describes an approach to writing instruction in which students write in journals each day and the teacher responds in writing to each student entry. Tells the positive effects that the ongoing writing dialogues have on students' writing and personal development. (ET)

What should a student activities program be? What should it provide? Who should be responsible for its organization and smooth operation? Answers these questions in a discussion of this important part of every school's total program. (Editor/RK)