Although teacher-librarians learn searching skills in preservice programs, most classroom teachers do not. This paper serves as a guide for educators on how to help their students develop essential searching skills; i.e., move the best results up to the top of the list, evaluate a works-cited page, guide them to their search tool options, or…

Students in an experimental research design course were trained in survey research and gerontology by interviewing older adults, keeping a journal, completing statistical analysis and research reporting exercises, and presenting conference-style poster sessions. (SK)

On February 10, 2004, Alex Bick contacted Chris Dede, the Timothy E. Wirth Professor of Learning Technologies at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, seeking a mentor for his work to determine whether handheld computers regularly carried by high school students generally affect academic achievement. At the time, Bick was a 10th grader…

Discusses communication in history, the theme for National History Day in 1993. Presents a list of approaches to the theme that could be taken as topics for study. Includes informational media, rhetoric and social change, transmission of cultural values, technology, and miscommunication. Contains a bibliography for each topic. (DK)

Reports on a cross-section of high school seniors who were among the 40 students named as finalists in the fiftieth annual science talent search. Presents highlights from interviews with these exceptional teenagers being recognized for their independent research efforts in science, engineering, and mathematics. (JJK)

In response to the need to offer undergraduates research experience, the National Science Foundation created the Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program. The number of psychology sites has fluctuated in the Division of Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences between 8 and 12 over the last several years. To increase the number of sites in…

Recent research indicates that introductory psychology college students continue to be the primary source of subjects for psychological research. This extensive use of involuntary subjects in a required service subject pool raises numerous important questions for science and for educational and professional ethics. A general overview of research…

The approach taken to chemical engineering education at New Mexico State University is described in this report. The curriculum model for its undergraduate and graduate program emphasizes both content and skill development. Involvement in tasks related to ongoing research projects is stressed and serves as the basis for course assignments at the…

Combined-text picture books unite multiple genres, providing nuanced information on a single topic from the unique lens of each genre. By providing guided practice in reading and writing a combined-text picture book, teachers can help students develop sensitivity to different types of texts, to what they do and how they do it. Such sensitivity can…

A study of 110 graduate students in social science research found their writing experiences and habits were distinct from those of novice undergraduate writers; however, a minority of students reported writing difficulties which might hinder their academic achievement. Issues and problems related to research writing are examined. (GLR)

Environmental educators have long engaged students in collecting data and monitoring environmental quality. Now scientists are recognizing the potential for student-collected data to contribute to the understanding of phenomena such as global climate change. Suggests some ways of thinking about the potential of environmental monitoring as a means…

Presents an alternative to the typical approaches used in introductory research courses through emphasis on the logic and creativity of the research process and on the problems of equating research with statistics early in one's training. (Author)

Argues that a term paper worthy of a high grade must be more than a quick literature review. It should be a research project on a subject narrowly focused enough that the instructor will learn new things and in which the writing process requires numerous drafts. Offers a short guide intended to be given to students as part of the term paper…

Emphasizes the unique advantages of computer-mediated communication (CMC) for teaching genetics. CMC allows students to collect larger sample sizes than other methods and from any part of the world in a very short time. Describes hardware and software requirements, useful tools and techniques, and a sample project on human genetics for a…

This paper considers students' attitudes toward research and writing about research and discusses methods used to help students overcome their largely negative attitudes toward research. The paper first states that at Illinois State University in Normal, the course that follows freshman composition is one on academic discourse. The paper reports…