Describes the structure and organization of a research and training program focusing on urban poverty and social welfare policy. Explains that the program trains undergraduates in the theory and empirical analysis of issues in poverty research. Notes that students must develop and present a plan of service to a local social service agency in an…

A general common-sense model of interactive teaching is presented, including conscious and partly or totally unconscious decision making. The model assumes that the teacher wishes to choose actions that are as appropriate as possible to the situation and goals of teaching. Knowledge and emotional variables influence the process. (SLD)

This article presents a problem-solving model of vocabulary instruction in content classes and applies it to a social studies lesson for special needs learners. The guidelines of the five-step model include establishing what is known, highlighting the new, generating connections between the "known" and the "new," gathering information, and…

Discusses the challenges of teaching high school geography in a way that enables students to develop an informed, spatial view of the world. Discusses the High School Geography Project and its effect on geography instruction. Suggests a map drawing exercise for students to demonstrate the importance of mental maps. (DK)

Presents an activity in which students develop their own theorem involving the relationship between the triangles determined by the squares constructed on the sides of any triangle. Provides a set of four reproducible worksheets, directions on their use, worksheet answers, and suggestions for follow-up activities. (MDH)

This paper describes the use of cooperative groups in teaching calculus. It discusses benefits and drawbacks of group techniques and presents reactions from both students and the author. (Author)

Discusses the problem of finding the amount of fence it would require for the outfield fence of a baseball field of given dimensions. Presents different solution methods for each of the levels from grades 9-12. The different methods incorporate geometry, trigonometry, analytic geometry, and calculus. (MDH)

Described is a program in which students learn about spectroscopy and instrumentation to solve a chemical forensic mystery. Infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, refractometry, and chromatographic techniques were used. An example of a mystery case is included. (KR)

Provided is a perspective on the teaching of a unit on the Earth in space. The themes to be found within the unit, approaches and resources that can be used for teaching and learning the subject, and some of the typical ideas that children hold about astronomical subjects are provided. (KR)

The situation regarding each Australian State's secondary physics syllabi are summarized. The planning directions necessary to keep such syllabi relevant to the changing needs of Australian secondary students are discussed. Factors influencing the implementation of these physics courses are described. (KR)

Discussed is how modern physics is usually approached via the photoelectric effect and how this can lead to a physically wrong picture of light. The importance of using the quantum theory developed after 1920 to explain the properties of light is discussed. (KR)

Examines problem-solving techniques used by students in French schools by testing 370 children in grades 6-9. Finds a high degree of variability in procedure selection among those tested. Results show the ability to use a standard procedure is sufficient for solving test problems. Recommends stressing cognitive flexibility. (NL)

Presents suggestions for using math performance assessments in elementary classrooms to help students develop mathematical thinking skills. The article lists National Council of Teachers of Mathematics evaluation standards for mathematics assessment and describes a number of problem-solving activities for students. (SM)

Describes a business communication classroom project designed to provide students with a framework for making ethical decisions and then to apply effective writing skills to communicate these decisions to someone inside or outside the organization. (SR)

Video cameras can be used to gather data, record the development of a project, document learning, aid in problem solving, or create a class archive. Short clips can be laced together with dialog or music without extensive editing. (SW)