This study investigated the dynamics of complex interactions within inquiry-based (IB) discussions by visualizing patterns using social network analysis. Researchers explored network measures when learners participated in inquiry-based discussions with Practical Inquiry Model (PIM) and non-PIM questions while playing the weekly moderator's role.…

Problem-based learning, process-oriented guided inquiry learning, and peer-led team learning are student-centered, active-learning pedagogies commonly used in science education. The characteristic features of each are compared and contrasted to enable new practitioners to decide which approach or combination of approaches will suit their…

In a technologically advanced, media-saturated culture, children are often confronted with realities that are as disturbing as they are real. Educators search for ways to deal with events that are so compelling that everything else drowns in the tide. They search for ways to bring these events into the learning environment in a manner that is…

Activities and lessons, based on the theory of active learning and designed for a course to promote student involvement, are discussed in this document. Each activity is described and followed by an evaluation that students completed immediately following the activity. Students were asked about how interesting, useful, and relevant each of the…

This manual offers alternatives to high school sociology teachers who wish to enhance their teaching by moving beyond the traditional lecture approach. Exercises and applications directly involve the students in several areas of sociological research. The chapters have several exercises and applications in addition to student activity sheets.…

Spatial dynamics is an instructional strategy whereby students create large scale models that capture the details of a historic event. This Digest discusses classroom floor models and papier mache models. Floor models are best suited to elementary classrooms and middle schools. Papier mache models, appropriate for high school social studies…

This guidebook is intended to help high school students discover the connection between themselves and the people from the past by being engaged in hands-on activities. The guidebook allows students to create artifacts or recreate a process known well to people from times past. The guide is arranged to provide historical background, materials…

Designed for teachers who view service learning as a teaching strategy to improve instruction, this guide assumes that participants in the training are teachers who will use service learning to help their students achieve the objectives of the school curriculum. Some of the training sessions, such as reflection and defining service learning, may…

This book details the studio setting of a history workshop in which learners discuss the meaning of artifacts, oral history transcriptions, historical photographs, and other firsthand sources from the past. Teachers facilitate interactions among children and play the role of elders, guiding younger learners as they explore a variety of historical…

When competing with mass media and other forms of information delivery, a verbal lecture does not have enough sensory impression. What students read in a passive framework is barely remembered, less so in pre-examination cramming. Weaker students have difficulties in reading, most notably with abstract and mathematical concepts. These problems are…

One of a series of articles on principles of good practice in legal education, this article focuses on the importance of encouraging active learning. Considers why active learning is important, identifies barriers to active learning, and suggests some active learning methods in legal education, including Socratic dialog, discussion, writing,…

Outlines instructions for conducting a student-organized open discussion of a proposed 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Provides student instructions and eight character role descriptions. Includes a ballot on the issue designed to be sent to the American Bar Association. (CFR)

In recent years, schools have been moving away from centralized decision making, granting teachers the authority to determine course content. This book explores the concept of including students in curricular decision making. Chapter 1 explains why students at all grade levels should be involved in choosing topics of study. Educational research…

This guide provides activities that have pupils actively involved, obtaining knowledge through cognitive, affective, or kinesthetic approaches to learning. The book is divided into three sections. Section 1, "Map Skills--Physical and Political Features", includes simulations, simulated review games, and problem-solving dilemmas to employ the use…

Describes the design and development of a K-8 curriculum designed to encourage student respect for senior citizens through experiential and academic studies. Outlines activities conducted by students at various grade levels. Includes an annotated book list of children's literature on aging and the elderly. (CFR)