Previous research has shown knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes are essential factors during mathematics classroom instruction. The current study examined the effects of a 3-week fraction instructional unit using concrete models, problem-solving, and problem-posing to improve elementary preservice teachers' knowledge, perceptions and attitudes…

In the mentoring programme project "Schule für alle" ("School for all") at the University of Bielefeld in North Rhine-Westphalia, university students of primary or special education support a child who is in a situation of crisis for more than one year. In addition, the university students receive ongoing, systematic university…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of initial special education experiences on elementary preservice teachers' knowledge and comfort level regarding students with disabilities. A total of 109 preservice teachers enrolled in a dual teacher certification program (general and special education) were surveyed before and after…

Knowledge of species, interest in nature, and nature experiences are the factors that best promote interest in and understanding of environmental issues, biodiversity and sustainable life. The aim of this study is to investigate how well student teachers identify common local species, their interest in and ideas about species identification, and…

In recent years, researches had shown that the development of problem solving skill became important for education, and the educational robots are capable for promoting students not only understand the physical and mathematical concepts, but also have active and constructive learning. Meanwhile, the importance of situation in education is rising,…

Disciplinary literacies in dance and drama are underrepresented in classrooms and in scholarship, especially at the elementary level. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine how preservice teachers constructed meaning of the disciplinary literacies in dance and drama. The theoretical framework guiding this study was drawn from…

Presents a study to design and conduct a three-hour field experience for 3rd and 4th grade students on forestry and forest products, and to determine the cognitive effects of participation in this field trip on the children. Reports an increase in student knowledge after participating in this experience. Discusses the reasons for students'…

Suggests that educators will increase learning if they base curriculum on children's thinking patterns. Discusses prominent characteristics of young children's thinking and selection of content appropriate to these thinking patterns. (DB)

Agricultural literacy materials on incubators in the classroom were used by 373 Indiana fourth graders and 19 teachers. Comparison of the treatment group's pretest/postest results with those of controls (363 students, 20 teachers) showed the materials increased student and teacher knowledge of agricultural professions; students were significantly…

Focuses on Perry School (Erie, Pennsylvania), the first geography theme-based elementary school in which everything is related to geography. Describes what students learn in each grade level and the expectations on what they should know. Reports on the creation of their geography learning lab. (CMK)

This study examined, from a student perspective, outcomes of early student field experiences in selected college sophomore level courses in a teacher preparation program. The study, based on a survey of 266 students, examined the influence of the experiences on students' knowledge and skills. Students' knowledge responses are analyzed within the…

Science is an "approach in process development." Native American students have well-developed processes which can be best utilized by teaching science using activities which capitalize on students' processes. This article discusses processes first, then applies the content in a cultural framework to enhance science for Native American…

Explains that authentic teaching and assessment enable students to utilize their prior knowledge, recent learning, and critical thinking and problem-solving skills in real-world contexts. Describes examples of authentic teaching and assessment that use the "Voluntary National Content Standards in Economics" as a framework for economics…

Law-related education programs for elementary school should be based on children's perceptions of reality. Psychologist Jean Piaget's studies of cognitive development indicate that children constantly reconstruct reality as they undergo new experiences. Children at early developmental stages may not be capable of understanding the origin and…