This paper examines the implementation of unplugged tasks across different school settings developing computational thinking skills and concepts at upper primary school children in Spain without programming and without using electronic devices. The study is based on qualitative case study design. Across the three case studies/schools --…

The aim of this action research is to develop the skills of elementary teacher candidates in designing 21st-century learning activities. Action research, one of the qualitative research methods was applied in the study. Some criteria were determined and the applicability of the criteria were tested by the participants. Data were collected from two…

Science educators highlight the importance of developing systems thinking (ST) and futures thinking (FT) for students to make decisions and to be active citizens that address socioscientific problems. The dimensions related to FT take in this study were three implied in ST and two in the appropriation of the future. The aim of this study is to…

Physical educators are constantly looking for new ideas and activities that will quickly grab the interest of their students. 9 Square in the Air is a game that does just this. The game was developed as a way to integrate students who enjoy volleyball and those who like Four Square. 9 Square in the Air provides the opportunity for students to use…

Students learn to read and write best when their teachers balance literacy instruction. But how do you strike the "right" balance of skills and knowledge, reading and writing, small and whole group instruction, and direct and dialogic instruction, so that all students can learn to their maximum potential? The answer lies in the…

Recent studies have shown that strengths in spatial skills are a key to success in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) careers. However, these skills are undervalued in our educational system and thus seldom incorporated in classroom teaching. As a first step towards changing the current practices, we worked with a group of…

Digital games have the potential to transform K-12 education as we know it. But what has been the real experience among teachers who use games in the classroom? In 2013, the Games and Learning Publishing Council conducted a national survey among nearly 700 K-8 teachers. The report reveals key findings from the survey, and looks at how often and…

Presents a series of skill-building activities for teaching students how to follow oral and written directions. (JMB)

Briefly describes how to help children improve their interviewing skills. (JMB)

It is important for the teacher to choose effective software for students. It is also important for designers to know what features of educational software make it effective. But the results of studies dealing with the effectiveness of educational software are contradictory. One reason for such results might be the fact that meta-analysis covers…

Describes how to use the "Nate the Great" book series by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat to help elementary school students learn the Big6 problem-solving process. As the plot develops, teachers can help students draw parallels between the actions of the young detective and the six steps of the process. (LRW)

Want to stimulate more interest in reading and writing? Then choose a favorite story or poem as the starting point for a colorful and varied learning center. Base your selection on your students' grade level and interests and gear your activities to the range of ability levels in your class. (Author/RK)

Mullikan Center, one of three learning and diagnostic centers in Prince George's County, Maryland, works with children who have one or more learning difficulties. Recounted here is how Mullikin Center used on aviation-centered learning experience to increase the individual's awarence of his role in his environment. (DS)

Suggests activities for teaching students to put story events in the proper sequence when they read and write. (FL)

Because all social studies classes require competence in time and chronology concepts, a sampling of ideas that elementary social studies teachers can use to help children understand time and chronology are presented followed by a list of skills necessary to help children understand the time system, the calendar, and chronology. Examples of…