There have been many recent policy and program changes in K-12 education across the United States, particularly in area of mathematics. Changes, such as the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics and standards-aligned year-end summative assessments, require an increase in student-centered, cognitively demanding activities in the classroom.…

This essay describes the successes and challenges of skills-based literature survey courses in the small liberal arts college setting of Westminster College (New Wilmington, PA). It considers the overall purpose of the survey in the skills-based English curriculum and then focuses on the integration of literary theory and creative writing as means…

This paper aims to reflect on the teaching of statistics through student research, in the form of projects carried out by students on self-selected topics. The paper reports on a study carried out with two undergraduate classes using a methodology of teaching that we call "learning projects." Monitoring the development of the various…

Colleges and universities have long emphasized undergraduate research experiences as valuable activities for students. Collegiate honors programs in particular have embraced the role of student research as an integral experience for high-ability students, leading the way in developing the thesis-based model of undergraduate research that is…

Successful teachers strive to ensure that their students learn to their maximum abilities. Is action research a valuable way for graduate students to review their effectiveness as teachers? Do students learn more through varied teaching strategies and techniques? The authors examined graduate students' perceptions of action research projects…

Suggests that, although innovative strategies can enchance a history of psychology course, the key is the instructor's enthusiasm. Describes a college level course in terms of objectives, readings, and visual aids. A major part is an independent research paper consisting of: (1) the historical development of an idea, (2) two biographical sketches…

Presents a project for students in Art 1 and Art 2 courses in which they created small, clay, animal pots. Describes the process of creating the pots beginning with student research, the project planning stage, and the production of the pot project. (CMK)

Presently, service learning is utilized as a tool for learning about something other than service, such as: gaining civic dispositions, learning subject matter, practicing inquiry techniques, or questioning inequality. What might happen if, instead, an exploration of service itself grounded classroom studies and field work, fostering explicit…

Focuses on the use of small, independent project lab groups in two different courses: (1) Introduction Methodology; and (2) Psychometrics. States that this type of group enables students to receive feedback from their peers, while also allowing them to explore an area of individual interest. (CMK)

Discusses the use of oral history within a North Dakota state history course at the University of North Dakota (Grand Forks). Addresses how the students are prepared to conduct oral history interviews. Relates the information students found within their oral history interviews and the benefits of oral history. (CMK)

Describes a writing project, based on the reader's guide, that helps students get an overview of the literature on a psychology topic. Highlights the five components of the reader's guide (content outline, theorists and contributors, central concepts, hot topics, and major resources). Addresses the role of the assignment and student reactions.…

Provides background information on Robert Portner and Jennie Dean focusing on their contributions to the community of Manassas, Virginia, and the events leading up to their legacies at Manassas. Considers the importance of family history as U.S. history and includes an assignment that enabling students to create their own stories derived from…

Discusses the Annual Chalk Mural project done by the members of the National Art Honor Society at the Sacramento County Day School. Discusses the tradition of the annual project and the planning and research involved. Focuses on the 7th Annual Chalk Mural featuring Wayne Thiebaud. (CMK)

Provides a lesson that enables students to explain the global importance of mountains by applying the five themes of geography (location, place, relationships within places, movement, and regions) to a particular mountain range. Explains that students work in teams to prepare a brochure about their mountain range. (CMK)

Presents a lesson in which the students are divided into four Mountain Study Teams in order to examine a sacred mountain. Explains that the students in each group assume a particular role, such as an historian or scientist. Provides a profile on the four mountains and a definition of the seven student roles. (CMK)