The authors' goal is twofold. First, they wished to produce a theoretically-based approach to this synthesis. Child-centered programs have a long history. However, concerns about children's achievement, and the pressure of content-specific standards, have set up a perceived conflict, in which educators believe they are being asked to abandon…

This booklet focuses on effective mathematics teaching. Drawing on a wide range of research, it describes the kinds of pedagogical approaches that engage learners and lead to desirable outcomes. The aim of the booklet is to deepen the understanding of practitioners, teacher educators, and policy makers and assist them to optimize opportunities for…

Teachers know that a constructivist approach involving project-based, student-centered activities can result in students taking an active role in their own learning and engaging in thought-provoking challenges. When accomplished with collaborative activities, students develop skills that will serve them well in the future in any group project.…

Describes three approaches to language arts instruction--student centered/integrated, content centered/segmented, and a combination of these two--and examines the strong and weak points of each. (HTH)

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…

Suggests that in social studies class, instructional methodology becomes the link between the subject matter and what is learned. Offers "All Roads Lead to Rome," a unit plan in which students have opportunities to become self-directed in their work. Provides lessons involving study skills, chronology, and culture and daily life. (SG)

Describes shifting the teaching focus from a class of students to the individual student. (PR)

Part I of this booklet introduces the concept of the student-centered approach to teaching with a description of the salient features of student-centered activities. These features have characteristics that increase student participation: (1) the ability to create; (2) divergent rather than convergent thinking; (3) exercising curiosity and being…

This article reviews techniques such as bibliotherapy, positive self-talk, and self-concept activities useful in suicide prevention curricula for gifted students. A guidance program designed for the social and emotional needs of the gifted student is proposed, covering such issues as perfectionism, societal expectations, and premature or…

Discusses characteristics of materials that are effective in teaching English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) adult immigrants, considering cultural barriers in North American classrooms. Some basic features ESL literacy teaching are discussed to emphasize needs that ESL literacy materials must meet. (16 references) (Author/LB)

This digest discusses using scaffolding instruction to optimize student learning by providing a supportive environment while facilitating student independence. It begins by identifying the following eight essential elements of scaffolding instruction that teachers can use as general guidelines: (1) pre-engagement with the student and the…

Classified according to the roles played by children and teachers, curriculum models for early childhood education fall into four general categories: (1) structured/programed; (2) open/interaction; (3) child-centered; and (4) eclectic. Methods and objectives of each approach are discussed. (PP)

Student needs are often overlooked in textbooks and packaged health curricula in which topics have been assigned by curriculum developers rather than by students. The Nominal Group Technique is a group exercise which can be used to clarify health problems by actively involving students. (JN)

This book is a coordinated manual of ideas for the U.S. history teacher in grades 6-12. It is a cooperative effort on the part of the many quoted contributors, each doing his or her bit to improve history teaching in the United States. Chapters include: (1) "Desirable Aims in Teaching United States History"; (2) "Classroom-Centered Activities";…

In a study of learner-centered teaching, eight student teachers examined their students' reaction to a number of lessons and tasks. Information was gleaned on aspects of learning, materials, and management perceived to be helpful, and a simple procedure was suggested for helping teachers to conduct similar action research. (Contains five…