This qualitative study investigated factors that facilitate and hinder implementation of service learning for novice and veteran teachers. We conducted case studies of three novice teachers and three veteran teachers, using a cross-case analysis within and across groups. Confirming prior research, facilitating factors included teachers' knowledge…

The purpose of this longitudinal study was to examine preservice and first-year music educators' perspectives on fieldwork activities embedded within a music teacher preparation program. One cohort of students was tracked for 2.5 years as they participated in an elementary teaching practicum, fulfilled the student teaching internship, and…

Reports investigation of pupils' musical achievement resulting from a "new" music education program using creative instrumental activities. Analysis indicated significantly better achievements for pupils taught by the "new" program than those in a traditional type of program. (JD)

This study focuses on the ways in which various methods of instruction affect elementary school children's political attitudes and knowledge toward the regime level--values (goals and principles), norms, and structure of authority--of the political system. (MJB)

This report presents detailed summaries of the responses of seven exemplary elementary teachers to a series of open-ended questions about effective social studies curriculum and instruction. The questions addressed the teachers' opinions about elementary social studies purposes and goals, content selection, and representation modes; forms and…

First and fifth graders participated in this assessment of ways in which differential experience with objects in a spatial array might establish relative landmarks within the array. Results suggest that different levels of experience can establish elements as relative landmarks in spatial memory. (Author/RWB)

The science curricula in grades K-6 in 4 school districts from 4 states are analyzed and compared. Two districts employ a content approach using textbooks as the dominant medium, whereas the other two employ a hands-on approach using manipulative activities and thematic units. Implications for students with disabilities are considered. (Author/PB)

Investigated whether elementary school girls' attributions about computer use follow a pattern of learned helplessness. Results from drill-and-practice and tutorial tasks involving 220 children show girls benefited from increased exposure time and that attributions to ease of task and ability predicted performance for both boys and girls.…

Three methods of instructing third graders about geometric concepts are compared in this study. Methods were all presented in programed instruction packages; but differed in the types of activities incorporated: paper and pencil activities (Treatment W), activities with manipulatives such as geoboard and paper folding (Treatment M), and…

The major purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of mathematics instruction based on the use of manipulative materials in grades 4, 5, and 6. A secondary purpose was to find whether this approach is differentially effective for students in different grade level, sex, or welfare recipient categories. Three treatment groups, one…

In this book, the authors document experiences that indicate that the open classroom -- the community itself -- constitutes distinct advantages over standard concepts. Using many actual cases, the authors show how students facing the realities of life -- particularly in urban areas -- provide their own and satisfactory answers to problems.…

"Our Town: An Architectural Perspective" is a program for at-risk elementary school children which was instituted at Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania). The goal of this effort was to introduce built-environment awareness in the public schools, where the neighborhood serves as the classroom and as a vehicle for…

Discusses a comparative study of two fourth grade social studies teaching programs based upon study units concerning flight. Concludes that both Hilda Taba's Teaching Strategies Program and the published simulation program "Flight" were exciting alternative methods of teaching map reading to fourth graders. Reports that students using…

Examining the differences in affective outcomes of economically advantaged and disadvantaged 6th grade students attending a 5-day residential outdoor education program in the Toledo Ohio Public Schools, pre- and post-tests were administered to randomly selected samples of 25 advantaged males and females and 25 disadvantaged males and females.…