In March 2015, the State University of New York Press published the fourth edition of "This Bridge Called My Back: Writings by Radical Women of Color," one of the most cited books in feminist theorizing that arguably turned the tide into what is called today call intersectional feminism. As a black feminist, the politicization of…

Recent education policy designed to promote arts education tends to focus on how such curriculum supports "skills for innovation" required for success in the global economy. Emphasis on the transfer of arts-based learning to professional innovation and achievement, a dynamic that is difficult to determine, can undermine the value of…

Although the effectiveness of student response systems in improving student learning is inconclusive, clickers can be used to create a positive learning environment in the classroom, which can help increase student achievement. With the use of clickers, students showed modest improvements in their performance in conceptual summative assessments.…

Supplemental small group reading instruction is frequently provided in the general education setting to struggling students at elementary schools that use response to intervention frameworks. Although building reading proficiency is the main focus of the intervention, students' learning-related behaviors should also be addressed to improve…

Feedback on assessment tasks has an important part to play in underpinning student learning. Online assessment enables instantaneous feedback to be given so that the student can act on it immediately. However, concern has been expressed that e-assessment tasks (especially multiple-choice questions) can encourage surface-learning. Several projects…

The most powerful single modification that enhances achievement is feedback. Feedback can be achieved through the use of classroom assessment techniques (CATs). CATs are designed to provide both faculty and students with the feedback necessary to increase the quality of teaching and learning throughout the semester (Angelo and Cross, 1993). CATs…

The primary vehicle of this inquiry into the nature of motivation is the case of Phaedrus' Demonstrator. Its setting is a class where grades are withheld from students, and their reactions are noted and analyzed from the instructor's perspective. Effective use of the case is delineated, and options are suggested for carrying its lessons to the…

This is the Phase I report for a needs assessment and accompanying study sponsored by the Oklahoma State Department of Education which was conducted during the 2010 calendar year. This report seeks to determine the importance of nine essential elements to being classified as a school in need of improvement. 61 schools are involved in this study…

An instructor of a basic communication course began a section designed for students with high levels of communication apprehension. To the basic format of the course, the instructor added sections on the nature of communication apprehension, goal setting, relaxation, visualization, and performance activities that gradually increased in complexity…

Whether referring to psychologist Stanley Milgram's intriguing theory, John Guare's successful play and film, or Kevin Bacon's party game, six degrees of separation may also be used as a way to help students make visual connections. The six degrees of separation is the concept that everyone is connected to everyone else in the world by only six…

Discusses a collaborative writing project where all students, regardless of ability, can demonstrate their understanding of Homer's "Odyssey" by writing a contemporary odyssey. Notes that students eagerly awaited and then read the final compilation of the project. (RS)

Several years ago, Gloria Brinkman developed an assessment tool for use in her art classes that is simple, efficient, and has proven to increase both student learning and student appreciation of the creative process. The format is based on a ten-point handwritten response to three specific prompts entered weekly in a journal. The journals can be…

Discusses uses learning logs for student assessment. Defines learning logs. Discusses structuring the logs; student voices and responses; a map drawing assignment; and using logs for evaluation. (RS)

Describes development of a rubric for assessing class discussion. Discusses procedures, student roles, and assessment in a "scored discussion." Notes that students find the process to be both demanding and informing. (RS)

Describes the "doing nothing" assignment that can be used to teach about stigma. Explains that the assignment is a simulation offering a theoretical background as well as a description of the exercise. Explores the advantages of the stigma simulation and addresses how to assess students. Includes references. (CMK)