Launched in June 2016, the Smithsonian Learning Lab (SLL) provides access to the digital resources from across the Smithsonian's 19 museums, 9 major research centers, and the National Zoo, to be used as real-world learning experiences. It is designed to aid students in building lasting knowledge and critical skills that take learners from simply…

This paper describes the Global Real-time Assessment Teaching Tool for Teaching Enhancement (G-RATE). It is a tool framed around the elements of Bransford, Brown, and Cocking's (1999) "How People Learn" framework and informed from data collected via laboratory observations; focus group interviews with engineering supervisors and graduate…

The present investigation examined experimentally the effect of a learning center environment, with its stated emphasis on independent and individualized study, on the academic performance, self-esteem, self-responsibility, school attitudes, and attendance of elementary school children. (Author)

Noting that assessment continues to be at the forefront of the speech communication discipline and the academy in general, this paper reflects on one speech communication department's struggle to make assessment meaningful and doable. The Speech Communications Department at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock uses such "low tech"…

This paper describes how results of the Golden West College Speech Department's program review led to the alignment of performance-based communication prerequisite and outcome expectations for: student placement recommendation; consistency of course curriculum and sequencing; measures of content-based competencies; and measures of…

The basic structure of a writing laboratory at Purdue University, Indiana, is described in this paper. Physical facilities, record keeping plans, instructional approaches and materials, and evaluation methods are discussed. As a laboratory situation, the course was intended as a supplement to regular composition classes. Five graduate students and…

The primary focus of this document is the mechanics of organizing a learning center for readiness-level children. The first section outlines procedures for using the learning center, including determination of student eligibility, referral of students, placement, and evaluation. Also included are: a referral form; a list of evaluation instruments;…

Describes the generation and use of experimental data in teaching economics. Includes a double oral auction experiment and a monopoly pricing experiment. Concludes that such experiments allow the instructor to see what the students have learned, how they reason, and what parts of the material have proved difficult. (DK)

The Free Studies program at Alvin Junior College offers remedial and nontraditional instruction and assists in the development of alternate path learning programs. The program currently offers three courses: writing, mathematics, and study skills. All instruction is self-paced, individualized, and on a prescriptive basis as the result of…

A program that includes teaching and learning theory in a realistically applied teaching-learning process for prospective elementary school teachers is described. Student teachers are required to participate in interaction seminars where theories of teaching and learning and their application are presented, discussed, and analyzed. In a laboratory…

A science course is described in which students worked in moderately self-paced groups in a learning center with all the necessary resources on hand. Course objectives and organization are outlined and an evaluation of the course is presented that includes student reactions, staff opinions, and examination and project results. (Author/JMD)

Prepared by secondary teachers from ideas suggested by an advisory committee of teachers, this compilation of learning activities is designed for use by mathematics instructors to supplement the curriculum resource handbook, "Learning Laboratories for Unemployed, Out-of-School Youth" (ED 047 273). The 34 activities, which are intended to…

This guide to establishing an adult basic education learning laboratory focuses on reading development with programed and self-directed instructional materials, with individualized as well as classroom instruction (Stage I), and on the use of audiovisual devices and software (Stage II) for individual, small group (cluster), and occasional large…

Prepared by an English instructor and a reading supervisor from ideas suggested by an advisory committee of teachers, this compilation of learning activities is designed for use by language arts teachers to supplement the curriculum resource handbook, "Learning Laboratories for Unemployed, Out-of-School Youth" (ED 047 273). The 19 activities,…

A project at Manor Junior College, Pennsylvania, developed further and implemented the tutoring programs in the Learning Center and integrated them with the Computer Tutorials Program. The objective was to increase retention and graduation rates and academic success of students enrolled in vocational programs. The reading, writing, and peer tutor…