It is agreed among most educators that the arts should occupy some place in the elementary school curriculum. Yet the fact is that a strong role for the arts has yet to be developed. This paper argues that at least part of the reason for why such a strong role for the arts does not exist lies in some of the widely held beliefs about the practice…

The six editions of this newsletter provide a forum for the sharing of research findings and instructional strategies by faculty of Western Michigan University on issues connected with critical thinking. Topics addressed include alternative program designs for critical thinking instruction, a philosophical exploration of what critical thinking is,…

This publication contains 24 studies which focus on: the fostering of inquiry in secondary school science laboratories; realistic expectations for traditional laboratory work; a content-based, college-level science course for all students; understanding learning at the classroom level; transitions and student task involvement; a project to…

The following major activities are discussed to guide educators through the complexities of curriculum organization. The first, defining outcomes, includes: (1) exit outcomes that express broad educational goals; (2) unit objectives; and (3) lesson objectives. The second major activity, developing learning units, includes: (1) opening lessons; (2)…

This publication contains studies which focus on students' science concepts and the alternative frameworks they use to interpret natural phenomena. Among the specific areas investigated are: conceptions held by Year 11 chemistry students about stoichiometry; how some 9-year-old students interpret the word "solid" to mean hard,…

The six editions of the newsletter provide a forum for the sharing of research findings and instructional strategies by faculty of Western Michigan University. Topics addressed include: active learning; lecture variations; lecture techniques; grading student participation; leading discussions; overcoming silence; discussion challenges; course…

The seven chapters of this special issue identify research issues related to sex differences and mathematics achievement in an international context and consider some possible explanations, including neuropsychological differences, learning strategies, and attitudes. Recommendations are made for educational policy, curriculum development, and…

The editors of "The American School Board Journal" and "The Executive Educator" magazines recently invited school leaders from across North America to send in curriculum ideas that work. From among the 1,026 entries that were submitted, a panel of judges selected 100, which are published in this special report. Criteria for selection included (1)…

The compendium of articles in this journal issue deal with the diverse components of the language arts, communication, and critical thinking curricula. The titles and authors of the articles are as follows: (1) "What to Do until the Doctor Comes: Speech in the Language Arts Classroom" (John Fortier); (2) "Teaching and Thinking…

Four issues of a newsletter form this document. The first issue, Winter 1991, includes the following articles: "Ensuring Quality"; "Wordpower--Actions and Reactions"; "Corporate Links with the Community"; "The Road to Progress in Siberia"; and "Teaching Visually Handicapped Students." In the Spring…