Base a learning center on magic and the results will be magical. (Editor)

Songs aren't just for singing. Use them to develop writing, vocabulary, and creative thinking skills. Two teachers tell how. (Editor)

Discusses the failure of students with learning disabilities to complete their homework assignments, lists criteria for planning assignments to motivate secondary students, and offers suggestions on procedures and outcomes for inviting students to participate in the assignment completion process. An Assignment Idea Chart is provided. (CR)

Considering the computer as a collaborator rather than a machine, it is encouraged that those in the humanities and the arts fields take advantage of the great potential that artificial intelligence can offer. Stresses that unless deliberately restricted, the computer is an inherently interdisciplinary medium, and capable of interacting with any…

Concerned that many students were barely surviving introductory chemistry rather than thriving, one college teacher used classroom research to assess and encourage student involvement and to understand students' difficulties with the material. Although student achievement has not risen measurably, students appreciate the techniques and participate…

Explores the rationale for learning centers, outlines steps in using this approach, and describes pupil-evaluation techniques. Illustrates concretely how a teacher can phase in the use of learning centers. (BF/JH)

A two-step procedure is outlined for encouraging student involvement and interest in language learning on the first two days in class. First, the teacher establishes an information flow in English from students to instructor, creating an environment of goodwill. Then communication begins in French as students and instructor introduce themselves.…

This fact sheet offers guidelines to consider when developing educational programs for adults. Characteristics of adults which affect learning are discussed under the following headings: adult life cycle; time orientation geared toward immediacy; broad base of experience; independent self-concept; and social roles. The importance of allowing…

Major functions of teaching assistants (TAs) and innovative methods are proposed. TAs help students learn through interaction, coach students in higher thinking skills, and provide a communication channel to integrate the course. A course planning guide based on performance objectives and classroom activities to stimulate student participation are…

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…

Environmental education is the study of human interaction with the environment and is linked with experiential education. Lists goals of environmental education, why experiential methods should be used, how to introduce these methods and some existing programs using experiential methods. (LC)

Designed as a resource for persons interested in improving the quality of teaching and student learning, this book covers aspects of the teaching-learning process that can be altered with relative ease. Practical suggestions are given in chapters focusing on concepts known to have a strong influence on student learning. The chapters include: (1)…

Reports on a study of instructional strategies and beliefs among 18 middle-school U.S. history teachers and 60 middle-school students. Finds the most widely used strategies involve active learning, group projects, and student participation. Includes a table of the 10 most used strategies and 4 recommendations for instructional design. (CFR)

This document explores the United Kingdom's developing practice of recognizing adult students' achievement in ways that make flexible use of the learning outcomes methodology, provide a mix of accredited and non-credited work, and are sensitive to the ethos of adult learning. (That ethos is often characterized by adult students' desire for…