We present a programme for a novel introductory lower-secondary chemistry course (seventh or eighth grade) that aims at the application of theories of science education, and in particular of conceptual/meaningful learning and of teaching methodology that encourages active and inquiry forms of learning The approach is rigorous with careful use of…

This article looks at ways in which the notion of music as a language with a literature operated in English girls' secondary education in the inter-war years. It explores musical literacies and multi-modality in the music curriculum of two inter-war music teachers working in girls' schools: Margaret Donington and Annie Warburton. Both contributed…

Based on a literature review, class observations, and interviews with teachers and students, this article offers a conception of higher order thinking (as signifying challenge and expanded use of the mind), discusses reasons for the difficulty of promoting it in high schools, and suggests ways principals can help. (MLH)

A special instructional intervention program to develop cognitive skills in hearing impaired adolescent students is analyzed and described, based on a special pilot project at the Model Secondary School for the Deaf (MSSD) at Gallaudet College. The program, Instrumental Enrichment, uses special pencil and paper exercises to focus on specific…

The essential nature of drama is a liberating act of imagination, of self-transcendence. A session is described in which the class maintained the delicate balance of dual consciousness and focused its attention and empathy on an illusory but possible world, creating and being responsible for the meaning of its construction. (MT)

Synthesized are a number of learning theories (those of Piaget, Bruner, Gagne, Dienes and Skemp) to form one composite teaching-learning model. This model is then applied to mathematics teaching. An example is provided to illustrate how the model may be used to elaborate a teaching-learning scheme for solving quadratic equations. (Author/DS)

Explores developing a concept image of functions. Includes assessment items, describes students' responses to these items, and interprets those responses. (KHR)

Discusses the pedagogical practices of the Montessori Farm School for adolescents. Examines the progressive stages of community involvement that lead to an understanding of civilization and place, including uses of technology, local lore, and history; the student's developing role within the local and world communities; and the examination of…

This article describes an experimental course in advanced thinking developed for a group of exceptionally able British lower sixth formers. The course stresses: (1) practice in efficient deductive reasoning; (2) elucidation and consideration of major thought processes and concepts; and (3) exploration of various aspects of the evolution of…

An inservice model was developed to assist teachers in asking students the kinds of questions that facilitate higher order thinking. Higher order thinking involves problem identification and definition, hypothesizing, collecting, analyzing and synthesizing data, and formulating conclusions that upon application will prove valid. Based on this…

Information-processing students solving problems in the 1960s and 1970s accepted the tradition of early experimental psychology in concentrating primarily on the study of "knowledge-lean" tasks in which competence can usually be acquired over short periods of learning and experience. In recent years, experts have examined knowledge-rich…

Using academic conflicts for instructional purposes is one of the most dynamic, involving, and least used teaching strategies. Teachers fear divisiveness and also lack fitting instructional models for structuring controversial discussions. This article discusses the controversy process and how teachers can organize and use it to enhance cognitive…

Describes initial steps to determine characteristics of students and teachers with award-winning marine science projects selected by the National Marine Education Association. Thirteen student/sponsor pairs (1 zoo employee, 1 marine research employee, 11 high school teachers) completed instruments assessing learning/teaching styles, attitudes, and…

The measurement of the affective (qualitative) influences of computer-assisted interactive video instruction on the learner and attendant enhancements for the overall learning experience are highlighted. Formal factors considered are interactivity via buttons and other event-oriented objects, hypertext, semantic memory, and successive…

Discusses the problem of mastering terminology, the role of language, and the structure of terminology in biology education. Provides a checklist for the presentation of science terms. Describes complexity of biological terminology and the difficulties often encountered by students. (CW)