In order to explore students' interest towards S&T, we developed and validated a questionnaire that simultaneously takes into account 18 components (general interest in school-S&T, utility of school-S&T, teaching methods preferences, perceived importance and preference for school-S&T with respect to other school subjects, etc.).…

This article focuses on Enquiring Minds, a three-year curriculum development project funded by Microsoft as part of its Partners in Learning programme and run by Futurelab. The article suggests that the project is best understood as an example of a new type of "curriculum entrepreneurialism" that is impatient with the traditional…

Outlines Chickering and Gamson's (1991) "Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education" and offers examples of applications of these principles. Argues that good practice encourages student/faculty contact. Makes suggestions for faculty, such as attending student activities and creating campus visibility. Suggests use of principles…

Describes a three-week activity unit on earthquakes that addresses the National Science Education Standards. Includes mantle convection, crust, plate tectonics, and faults concepts. (YDS)

Describes recently introduced legislation that attempts to radically change the French education system. Explains that these changes are most keenly felt at the elementary level where the whole curriculum is moving toward a child-centered approach. (DDR)

Conducted a study to show in an audiovisual form how technological activities can be planned and implemented successfully at the primary school level. Demonstrates how science and technology can be linked in the curriculum. Reports that designing a unit that takes advantage of the symbiotic relationship between science and technology can lead to…

Presents a diary account of the process of scripting and authoring a CD-ROM on the criticism of pre-20th century poetry. Shows how English teachers with limited technical backgrounds were able to acquire the necessary skills to see the project through in six months. Discusses the ups and downs of the new student-centered medium. (TB)

Highlights the benefits of active and student-centered learning. Describes the University of Wisconsin Student History Network that uses an updated model of the literary society and includes a Web site and electronic discussion groups for students in history survey courses. Discusses the problems, changes, and success of the University of…

Presented in English and French, Physics 20-30 is an academic program that helps students better understand and apply fundamental concepts and skills. The major goals of the program are: (1) to develop in students an understanding of the interconnecting ideas and principles that transcend and unify the natural science disciplines; (2) to provide…

Part of a sequential series of curriculum units in environmental education for grades 4 through 12, this sixth grade curriculum guide focuses on man's effect upon the environment. Extensive classroom activities and field trips introduce the student to population, technology, pollution, natural resources, responsibility, career opportunities, and…

International University (IU) is an independent, nonprofit, "virtual" institution that offers baccalaureate and master's degrees in business communication via classes conducted entirely on the World Wide Web and Internet. Courses are developed by experts in the field of business communications; IU then compiles the necessary study…

Instruction should emphasize generic skills as much as it does occupational or domain-specific skills. Generic skills enable people to: (1) cooperate and communicate for group problem solving; (2) identify and define problems in complex environments; (3) seek, acquire, and synthesize new information; and (4) adapt to changes in the problem-solving…