This classroom-based action research explored the influence of creative engagement strategies-- a combination of Participation Squares and Spin-the-Wheel--on enhancing student engagement in a middle school classroom. The study was motivated by a recurring issue of poor student engagement. The intervention, used as a class starter to boost student…

Reflective tools have been gaining ground in educational research. Diaries, especially electronic ones, can be effective in enabling researchers to organise and reflect upon their research. Online diaries are flexible Web-based facilities since the recording process can be conducted quickly and smoothly. Here, I report on using Yahoo! Notepad as…

The typical introduction to technology course focuses on helping preservice teachers develop skills for using technology and integrating it into their practice (Downs, 1992; McKenzie, 1994; Niess, 1991; Raiford & Braulick, 1995). Current national standards for technology in teacher preparation also emphasize the importance of developing skills…