New teachers are eager to begin their careers with the information learned from their teacher preparation programs. Too many times, the classroom library is a second thought to the establishment of classroom rules and the implementation of curriculum. Rather than an instructional tool for literacy and classroom community, the library can become a…

This paper describes the development and delivery of a complex and large-scale consulting intervention for a national professional association of landscape professionals. My consulting team worked with this professional association and a third partner to develop an online learning center which provided training, professional development, and the…

This research is concerned with preservice teacher understanding of six earth and space science concepts that are often taught in elementary school: the reason for seasons, phases of the moon, why the wind blows, the rock cycle, soil formation, and earthquakes. Specifically, this study examines the effect of readings, hands-on learning stations,…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to outline an instructional design approach for further development of an African ancestry learning center in order to enhance its educational utility. This is being done in an effort to use technology in transformative ways that extends the practices and opportunities for African Americans.…

While much discussion about student success as it relates to access, equity, and underpreparedness at the collegiate level is taking place nationally and statewide, a strong and specific concern prompted some of the faculty at Pasadena City College (PCC), a large urban community college located northeast of downtown Los Angeles, to address the…

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect an afterschool program had on middle school at-risk students' standardized test scores and behavior. The study examined students who participated in the 21st Century Community Learning Center afterschool program at two similar schools in a county in Northwest Georgia. Data were compiled for the…

Technology education is not just about things, systems, and processes. It can also be about history, people, technological change, and impacts on society. In this design challenge, one uses technology education principles and ideas to convert an old factory into a museum and learning center. The challenge with this historical resource is to think…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to study the values of children using Minimally Invasive Education (MIE) kiosks and identify any changes in these values as a result of using the kiosks. Design/methodology/approach: The sample consists of 85 children residing at the Vivekananda Camp. There are 44 boys with an average age of 11.62 years and 41…

This qualitative study describes the experiences of SI leaders in science courses. Analysis of data using Colaizzi's phenomenological approach has indicated the following advantages of the SI experience for SI leaders: (a) greater appreciation of the diversity of student learning styles, (b) increased understanding of the subject matter, (c)…

With many learning goals to be met, preschool teachers may wonder how to accomplish all of them. This book is intended to show teachers how to maximize the scope and power of instruction through integration across content domains and learning contexts. Focusing on language, literacy, and mathematics, the author introduces strategies to bolster…

This study, which explores factors that motivate developmental mathematics students to seek available assistance with their coursework, showed statistically significant correlations between the number of math learning center visits and various variables. An interaction effect was revealed between mathematics confidence and years of college…

Presented are ideas for small, inexpensive, often portable "mini" learning centers covering many elementary school subjects. The minicenters are designed for containment in boxes and bags or on art easels. (SJL)

This brief column offers ten tips on how to revive classroom learning centers by cleaning up, reassessing spaces, and adding fresh materials. Some of the tips include: create colorful banners; provide inspirational materials; and share surprise boxes.

Private tutoring is a growing industry that is being transformed by an evolution from "shadow education" provision into "learning center" franchises. Traditional shadow educators closely follow the school curriculum, offering short-term homework help and test preparation. Learning centers develop their own curricular and…

Educators are challenged to provide instruction for learners with diverse needs in general and special education settings. Learning centers are one organizational method that can be used to provide students with small-group instruction, practice and review activities, and increased active engagement in learning. Educators must be organized and…