In March 2018, metal construction kits were distributed to all elementary schools in Rhineland-Palatinate as part of the project called "Technikkiste" [translation from German: technology box] to promote STEM education. At the end of the year 2018, three more expansion sets followed. So far, no requests have been made to schools, even…

Introduction: The purpose of this article is to examine the use of socio-cultural based learning modules for developing critical thinking skills in elementary school children. Methods: This article is a systematic review that collects data from relevant indexed journals. Results: The findings are discussed in theoretical studies so as to produce…

This paper describes the development of "ScienceKit," a mobile, social media application to promote children's scientific inquiry. We deployed "ScienceKit" in "Kitchen Chemistry" ("KC"), an informal science program where children learn about scientific inquiry through cooking. By iteratively integrating…

This training module provides participants with a theoretical overview of both process and skills of second-language reading, as well as practical classroom applications. Upon completion of the module, participants should be able to (a) differentiate between three categories of second-language readers, (b) explain developmental reading stages, (c)…

This teaching module offers participants the requisite skills and professional perspective to determine the language dominance of Spanish-language-origin students. Upon completion of this module, participants should be able to (a) identify and describe an example of at least three techniques for determining the language dominance of…

This teaching module is the first in a cluster which will familiarize participants with the most common methods and materials used in teaching reading in Spanish. Upon completion of this module, participants should be able to (a) describe at least two methods of teaching reading in Spanish, (b) apply the corresponding techniques of each of the…

This teaching module deals with reading readiness. Upon completion of the module, participants should be able to (a) assess readiness needs, (b) list the components of readiness, (c) devise a readiness program for individuals, and (d) determine special readiness needs of the dyslexic child. Participants complete a preassessment test and learning…

This teaching module presents a systematic development of phonic information and generalizations that are applicable to the decoding process. Upon completion of this module, participants should be able to (a) apply phonic information in decoding a list of words, and (b) identify specific phonic components. Participants complete a preassessment…

The purpose of this teaching module is to enable participants to demonstrate and apply their knowledge of comprehension and critical thinking skills, using the Watson-Glaser Test of Critical Thinking Ability. Critical thinking is defined as an attitude of thoughtful consideration of the problems and subjects that come within one's experience,…

This teaching module concerns vocabulary as it relates to reading comprehension. Development of an extensive and accurate reading vocabulary is deemed essential for good comprehension. While most children have little trouble with concepts and vocabulary necessary for beginning reading (unless they speak a language which is not of the dominant…

The purpose of this teaching module is to examine materials and methods in the area of reading instruction. Upon completion of the module, participants should be able to (a) explain and give an example of a published program for seven approaches to beginning reading, (b) evaluate four published reading programs, and (c) state which approach they…

The introduction of this teaching module states that successful construction and implementation of a reading curriculum which meets and satisfies the growth potential of individual students depends on the teacher's ability to assess individual needs. The Individual Reading Inventory (IRI) provides a diagnostic framework for integrating and…

The introduction to this teaching module states that mounting research evidence supports the linguistic and academic benefits of early instruction through the vernacular, based on the premise that non-English speaking students who learn to read in the vernacular (and accelerate their conceptual development in their mother tongue as they learn…

The intent of this teaching module is to present structural word analysis information to participants so they can be effective teachers of reading. The module attempts to prepare participants to develop and utilize teacher-prepared materials dealing with structural analysis. Upon completion of this module, participants should be able to (a)…

This module provides evaluation guidelines for choosing reading materials, and practical training in designing materials for teaching reading in Spanish. Upon completion of the module, participants should be able to (a) list 10 criteria that are used to evaluate books and materials in the teaching of reading in Spanish, and be able to use them in…