This study presents the results of a national survey of 1500 K-2 teachers describing understandings and practices related to guided reading. Results focused on five questions: What is the purpose of guided reading groups? What grouping techniques should be used? What texts should be used? How is instruction planned with and away from the teacher?…

Undergraduate geography field courses are relatively rare at American universities, though they can exemplify well the fundamental tenets of learner-centered education. This article reports on an intensive three-week field analysis course taught at Northern Arizona University at Flagstaff, within the Department of Geography, Planning, and…

A three-part review process is proposed as an aid to textbook selection for college courses. After an introductory discussion of the importance of developing standards and criteria for selecting course texts, the three-phase process is presented. The initial phase involves the establishment of departmental criteria for textbooks, which may be…

Describes four research courses developed by the instructional systems faculty at the University of Florida which are designed to prepare doctoral students to plan and conduct high quality instructional systems research. Goals of each course are described, as well as course procedures and products, and evaluation methods. (MBR)

Elements that might be included in a course syllabus are discussed, and reasons for a well-written syllabus are briefly noted. The following syllabus elements are covered: course description, course objectives, course structure, textbook and required materials, recommended optional materials, course schedule, deadlines, evaluation methods, policy…

Describes a study in which the textbooks and specialized periodicals in information science used by 26 Brazilian library schools were grouped by 39 course topics and evaluated by various criteria. A methodology for identifying gaps in coverage by the available instructional materials and establishing priorities for production is presented. (8…

Providing help to teachers and schools attempting to achieve the vision of the Kentucky Educational Reform Act (KERA) which shifts the focus of instruction to student use and application of knowledge, this paper presents a sample course outline as a starting point for course development. The paper begins with one example of a course description…

This paper addresses some real assessment challenges that teachers have identified: (1) Figuring out what really is important for students to know and be able to do in history; (2) Teaching the skills of "doing history" in a world of testing that often seems to value only factual knowledge; (3) Identifying and using assessments that provide…

This book presents 14 papers that offer guidance to college teachers venturing into online instruction. It is based on the experiences and ideas of faculty at the University of Phoenix (Arizona) online campus, which has been offering online courses since 1989. Chapters in the book discuss the importance of interaction and feedback, learner…

Curriculum mapping activities can be useful in analyzing curriculum goals and planning curriculum revision. This document is specifically designed using the Science Education Curriculum Goals articulated by the State of Oregon for grade 3. The goal areas include concepts, processing, manipulative skills, interests, values, interactions and…

This book provides recommendations and guidelines for computer program selection and suggestions for using computers in varied ways and multiple subject areas. A discussion of classroom computer applications and curriculum objectives emphasizes integration of the computer and appropriate courseware into all curriculum areas. Various types of…

Curriculum mapping activities can be useful in analyzing curriculum goals and planning curriculum revision. This document is specifically designed using the Science Education Curriculum Goals articulated by the State of Oregon for grade 11. The goal areas include concepts, processes, manipulative skills, interests, values, interactions and…

Curriculum mapping activities can be useful in analyzing curriculum goals and planning curriculum revision. This document is specifically designed using the Science Education Curriculum Goals articulated by the State of Oregon for grade 5. The goal areas include concepts, processing, manipulative skills, interests, values, interactions and…

This document is a guide for use in self-study by groups of college faculty using the Course Planning Exploration (CPE) survey. The CPE is designed to uncover approaches to course planning and thereby stimulate discussion, collegial learning, and development among faculty members. Section I describes the CPE including the history of its…

This training course module on curriculum development is divided into five units: (1) basic curriculum questions; (2) formulation of educational objectives; (3) translating national goals into educational programs; (4) determination of learning needs; and (5) the organization of areas of knowledge in the curriculum. For each unit the learning…