Exploring online learning through the lens of synchronous and asynchronous instructional methods can be beneficial to the online instructor and to the course designer. Understanding the underlying theoretical foundation is essential to justify both types of instructional pedagogies. Learning theory as it applies to online environments encompasses…

For many decades, English language educators across the world have been locked in a paradigm of ESL/EFL/ESD methods that have circumvented the growth of any pedagogical will for Immersion in English (IE) or the Sustained Use of English (SUE) in speech environments where other languages challenge English-in-use and the preparation of teachers of…

This brief is directed to researchers and adds to the research base about instructional practices that are related to student achievement. Additional evidence on these relationships can suggest specific hypotheses for the future study of such instructional practices, which, in turn, will provide research evidence that could inform professional…

In this Appendix, we provide details about the data used for the current study, the curricula used in the classrooms from which data were collected, and the current study's methodological approach. (Contains 14 tables and 5 footnotes.)[For full report, see ED544189.]

Reports the results of five contrasts between small-group learning and a more teacher-centered instructional style employed in junior high, high school, and college mathematics classes. In no case did the small-group class perform more poorly than the one led by a teacher; in one case, measuring long-term retention, the small-group class performed…

The Large Class Analysis Project was undertaken to provide instructors, administrators, and researchers with an in-depth look at the teaching techniques used in a variety of large (defined as having over 100 or more students) classes taught at The University of Texas at Austin. Data were collected concerning student attitudes toward such large…

Observes a general dislike among instructors for large classes. Reviews research which suggests that instruction in large introductory college psychology classes may be superior to more conventional teaching methods. Explains that large group teaching can be helped through audiovisual aids, outlines, and detailed notes. Emphasizes the importance…

Describes and evaluates televised lectures that were added to a geography course to accommodate classroom overflow. Comparisons of academic performance between attendees of the live lectures and the broadcast audience revealed no significant difference. Survey questionnaires indicate that students felt the televised method to be valuable. (MJP)

This practical guide is one of a series aimed at assisting academics in higher education in researching specific aspects of their work. Focusing on small-scale insider research in colleges and universities, the handbook covers contemporary issues, research methods, and existing practice and values in the area of teaching methods. Strategies for…