Prop boxes are a collection of materials for sociodramatic play in which children act out authentic roles and scenes of the real world. Teachers collect materials around a topic or theme that connects to students' interests and addresses academic standards across multiple subjects. In this article, the authors suggest that prop boxes can make more…

This article describes how lesson study creates a process of teacher learning whilst developing student learning through collaborative planning, guided observation and reflection. It presents a framework for conducting lesson study in a teacher development programme in Lower Austria. The role of knowledgeable others in the development of ownership…

Corpus linguistics is a new branch of linguistics but its status is still debatable - either as a theory or a methodology. This article aims to give an overview of the different approaches and perspectives of corpus linguistics. The neo-Firthians contend that corpus linguistics is a method, while other prominent corpus linguists claim that it is a…

From 1981 to 2015, the US Professors of the Year program recognized 101 college and university teachers as national winners in its annual competition for faculty who demonstrated "extraordinary dedication to undergraduate teaching." Their dossiers provide a window onto the leading edge of teaching and educational leadership over a…

Traditionally, learning is provided in a unidirectional manner from instructor to learner. This practice can be limiting to all individuals involved in the learning process. To develop quality instructional materials, the learning team can participate in instructional design and development (ID) as partners. This article discusses a proposed…

The purpose of this chapter is to present a task-based approach to materials development. In the first part of the chapter, I sketch out the evolution of task based language teaching, drawing on a distinction between synthetic and analytical approaches to syllabus design first articulated by Wilkins (1976).

Examines the design of multimedia learning environments as a case example of the intertwined and reciprocal relation between cognition and instruction. Explores the contributions of cognitive theory to multimedia design issues and the contributions of multimedia design issues to cognitive theory. (EV)

Examines the concept of meaningful learning in light of new information technology. Highlights include learning processes; types of learning; the computational theory of mind; the value of animations and simulations; and the importance of well-designed and well-written instructional materials. (LRW)

Reviews research on how geographic maps influence the recall of associated text and describes a theoretical model of map-text learning based on dual-coding theory and working memory operations. Instructional implications are explained, and recommendations for instructional applications are given. (Contains 84 references.) (LRW)

Discusses how to design interactive video materials for adult learners. Highlights include capabilities of interactive video; characteristics of adult learners; allowing adults to set their own goals; establishing a need to know; linking new information to prior knowledge; and individual responsibility for learning.(LRW)

Describes a theoretical model of stages in the comprehension of a machine from diagrams and accompanying text, and considers the implications of this model for designing hypermedia manuals that explain how machines work. Reports on three experiments with undergraduates that evaluated hypermedia and multimedia manuals based on this model.…

Discusses the design and use of simulations and games in education based on personal experiences over a period of 20 years and offers insights relating to design techniques, participant reactions, alternative approaches to learning, the impact of experiential approaches, the importance of debriefing, cross-cultural communication, and therapeutic…

Describes hypertext as software that improves the learner's control over a knowledge base, and discusses the role hypertext could play in compact disc technologies. Digital multimedia learning materials are discussed; relationships among data, information, knowledge, and expertise are explored; and examples of applications of compact disc media…

Discusses experiential learning and the use of simulations and games. Topics addressed include teaching only with simulations; deception in simulations; ethical issues; benefits of student journals; learning processes; debriefing phases, both oral and written; the role of the teacher; political issues; and designing simulations, including…

Discusses the process of designing a series of case-based interactive videodiscs to be used within a constructivist learning environment for elementary school science. Topics include assumptions about learners and learning; implications for learning materials; and implications for the instructional design process, including process-based versus…