A high school mathematics teacher designed an action research project to help students learn effective notetaking for studying and for organizing and remembering information. Fifty students completed questionnaires about their notetaking habits and ways to improve them. After discussing survey findings, students designed their own formats and…

Investigated student responses to the peer revision process. Following three 90-minute peer revision activities over two months, students in a senior English class completed surveys and interviews regarding their attitudes and experiences with peer revision. Results indicated that students were eager to discuss the experience. They tended to…

A high school film teacher studied how students recognized messages in film, examining how film education could help students identify and analyze racial and gender stereotypes. Comparison of students' attitudes before and after the film course found that the course was successful in raising students' consciousness. (SM)

Collaborating with her chemistry teacher, a high school student examined whether students who took reformed middle school science differed from students in regular science in grades, attitudes, and evaluation of science learning. Surveys indicated that students from the reformed program rated science significantly higher, felt better prepared for…

A high school teacher researched the use of journals with art students. The teacher describes the research, obstacles, and redirection, noting that though students were not enthusiastic about journals in art class, many admitted that writing helped with their art. The research project improved communication between her and her students. (SM)

An elementary music teacher worked to interest minority and female students in computers by combining the music subject matter, in which they excelled, with computer technology. The article chronicles the teacher's action research project in which she instilled confidence in female and minority students when using computers. (SM)

Describes the impact of using dialog journals in English-as-a-Second-Language classes on sixth graders who lacked confidence in their writing ability. Results showed a positive effect of modeling, improved writing attitudes, and a new human dimension to a previously hierarchical teacher-student relationship. (SM)

A high school history teacher of gifted students examined difficulties in establishing cooperative groups when members changed frequently. Student interviews and surveys indicated that some students were happy to remain nonparticipants in any group. Participation was less a factor of group makeup than a factor of student opinion about grades.…

A teacher of students with learning disabilities used journals to encourage students to write. She allowed them to choose their topics, and she created ongoing conversations with them through the journals. As students' interest in writing increased, their journals helped them resolve conflicts, express frustrations, and hone language arts skills.…

A second-grade teacher helped her students improve self-confidence and self-esteem by making them active in their assessment. Using cooperative learning, portfolio assessment, surveys, and interviews, she examined whether students could assess their own abilities and improve classwork. Students gained pride in their work and participated more…