This study examines undergraduate non-science majors' perceptions of a cooperative-collaborative science pedagogy employed in a course on global change that was one course in a pilot project of a newly-designed environmental science program. Non-traditional evaluation tools such as portfolios, focus groups, group assessments, and self-assessments…

A new medical curriculum at the University of Newcastle, New South Wales, is described. Student knowledge, understanding, and skills are developed through the study of a sequence of clinical problems integrated with appropriate practical and clinical activities. Such an innovative curriculum implies different roles for academic staff. (Author/MLW)

The case method of teaching in the liberal arts is recommended as a means of reconciling the college curriculum with modern vocational needs for education and problem-solving skills. The method is student-centered, encourages group interaction and cooperation, and relates learning to experience. (MSE)

Describes the experiences of a secondary mathematics education student as a MATHCOUNTS coach for sixth graders. Explains the program, coaching duties, and how the approach evolved in trying to shift student focus from finding the right answer to finding a logical approach to solving problems. Discusses the experience in terms of the National…

Examined the effects of a 4-week interdisciplinary unit on middle school students' problem-solving ability. Subjects, 459 students in 4 Midwestern school districts, were taught by 6 teams of teachers. Pre- and posttest results indicated that students identified as formal operational thinkers made significant gains in their problem-solving ability,…

Gives historical account of research and practices associated with precollege science laboratories. Described three social contexts of research on science laboratories: separation, interaction, and partnership. Argues that more partnerships are needed to continue improvement to the science laboratory, suggesting that future partnerships will…

Data from 148 students at 4 demonstration sites (Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Colorado) where math, science, and technology education were integrated show that grade level, part-time work experience, and enthusiasm influenced higher order learning in a multidisciplinary project. (SK)

Included are five activities which focus on using and interpreting data about popcorn. The integration of mathematics with science, health and social studies is stressed. Each activity includes procedures, a reproducible activity sheet, and several suggestions for extension activities. (CW)

Reviews the history and development of the "Our Working World" elementary textbook series, an example of the New Social Studies reform movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Describes the Organic Curriculum, which integrated the fundamental ideas of five social science disciplines. Maintains that implementing the K-6 program all at once was an…

After an introduction to the problems experienced by Australian individuals with multiple disabilities and their families, this article outlines the use of the McGill Action Planning System, or MAPS, to improve or develop educational programs. The timing and relationship between MAPS and Individual Education Plans are also discussed. (Contains…

Describes research to develop curriculum guidelines for a distance education course in urban agriculture. The course, designed to train the teacher, is based on an eclectic curriculum design model. The course is aimed at the socioeconomic empowerment of urban farmers and is based on sustainable ecological-agricultural principles, an…

The topic of wetlands provides a rich context for curriculum integration. This unit contains seven activities that integrate environmental science with math, technology, social studies, language arts, and other disciplines. In this series, students will identify plants and animals found in wetlands, understand the function of wetlands through the…

Process-oriented learning designs are innovative learning activities that include a set of inter-related learning tasks and are generic (could be used across disciplines). An example includes a problem-solving process widely used in problem-based learning today. Most of the existing process-oriented learning designs are not documented, let alone…

In keeping with the scientific ideals and goals of actual practice, the concept of scientific literacy that drives the national science standards for elementary and middle school students also focuses on the process of science: observing, inferring, describing, asking questions, constructing explanations, and communicating ideas to others…

This book contains information on a wide range of books for interdisciplinary teaching and makes connections with science, math, language, social studies, music, and art. The items referenced contain book summaries, lists of objectives, ideas for connecting the subjects taught in elementary and middle school, field and classroom activities,…