Since the introduction of child-centered thinking in educational research, discussion has continued on whether the purpose of public schools is to teach students predetermined, set subject matter or to allow them more control over their education. Traditionalists have asserted that scientific methodology must be used to develop learning…

The Computer-Assisted Study Skills Improvement Program (CASSIP) uses interactive instruction with a computer in these areas: managing time, improving memory, taking lecture notes, reading textbooks, taking examinations, writing themes and reports, making oral reports, improving scholastic motivation, improving interpersonal relations, and…

Fear appeals are persuasive messages that emphasize harmful physical or social consequences of failing to comply with message recommendations. Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) emphasizes cognitive or rational reactions to fear appeals and identifies four message components which initiate corresponding cognitive mediating processes of appraising…

This longitudinal study examined the question of change and stability in students' used learning strategies during the first 2 years of study at the university. A total of 188 students from Tilburg University in the Netherlands took part in the study, including 90 in law, 27 in art, 48 in economics, and 23 in the social sciences. The students…

This paper outlines recommended test-taking strategies for the self-sufficient learner based on research in cognitive psychology. The theoretical model used is the information-processing approach involving the three essential steps of paying attention, encoding, and framing associative linkages for the new material. Preparing for examinations is…

Despite interest in the impact of undergraduate research on student development in higher education literature, there has not been much work done on the relationship between participation in undergraduate research and the development of political science students. This paper assesses the relationship between student participation in collaborative…

This report sets forth the rationale and guiding principles for a Student Success Model developed for the Maricopa Community Colleges. It incorporates the following stages: Outreach and Intake; Entry; Experience; and Completion/Assessment. It is recognized that students can and will enter at any stage. Each stage of the model also incorporates…

A technique called the "do now" illustrates how it is not the method, but the purpose, that creates effective teaching techniques. Beginning the first activity of a freshman composition class with moments of silent reflection, or "do now," includes brief instructions to students to respond to whatever word or phrase the…

This paper presents a classroom management technique designed to bring an ordered routine and smooth beginning to each public speaking class. A student-read announcement or article is used to start the class. The paper explains the goals and gives directions for use of this technique. An introductory lesson which covers the fundamentals of…

The development of the Pennsylvania State Department of Education's Tests of Essential Learning Skills (TELS) program objectives is described. A conceptual framework is presented that incorporates reading skills into the social studies curriculum. Instructional strategies designed to assist in the development of reading skills in the content areas…

This introduction to computer simulations as an integrated learning experience reports on their use with students in grades 5 through 10 using commercial software packages such as SimCity, SimAnt, SimEarth, and Civilization. Students spent an average of 60 hours with the simulation games and reported their experiences each week in a personal log.…

This paper presents an exercise which serves as an addition to public speaking courses. Showing students how to uncover the speech patterns that shape their lives allows them to appreciate the importance of speech communication in their lives. In the exercise, groups analyze speeches and report their findings to the class. The exercise improves…

Earlier practices in the teaching of literature offered one standard of success and one method of lesson delivery for everyone. This did not make it possible for students to reach their individual potentials. The resulting idea of attending to the individual formed the basis for ability grouping. However, placement into lower groups resulted in…

This paper discusses the concept of literature as a moral laboratory in which author and readers run complex thought experiments about human actions and their consequences. The paper warns that discussion of the role of literature in building moral character and moral communities needs to be based on a better understanding of what literature is…

The values that are the foundations of the democratic system should be defined, taught, learned, and then put into action in the classroom. The issues associated with teaching values are so complex and controversial that many schools avoid dealing with them. These issues include: (1) teaching about religion; (2) teaching about citizenship and…