Informal science learning is valuable in the development of students' cognitive and affective skills which also influences the development of an interest in science. Successful utilisation of informal learning settings into teaching and learning requires highly qualified teachers. This study explored how engagement in a semester-long course…

Approximately 883 colleges and universities in the United States evidence connections to specific religious traditions. Yet, according to the literature, a perceived tension exists between faith and the contemporary academy, such that many universities that were founded as religiously affiliated institutions no longer retain their religious…

Traditionally, student leadership has been seen as the prerogative of senior students. Very little research has been conducted on how schools nurture and develop leadership skills in students in the middle years of schooling. This article provides an overview of student leadership in six secondary schools with a particular focus on student…

Undergraduate research and creative activities are established high-impact practices that provide students with both advanced knowledge of their academic disciplines and the ability to apply that knowledge to creatively answer questions. At the center of these experiences, is the close relationship between a student researcher and a mentor. Using…

Social and emotional competencies and skills help students succeed in school. In fact, researchers have documented significant academic gains for students who participate in social and emotional learning programs in which they can strengthen their social and emotional skills (Durlak, Weissberg, Dymnicki, Taylor, & Schellinger, 2011). Skills…

The Blueprint for the Future program began in 1989-90 in 20 pilot schools in the Scarborough school system in Ontario, Canada. School support teams were established and the role of special-education resource teachers (SERT) was expanded through inservice training. Focused group interviews with principals and SERTs were conducted to determine…

Designed for district- and school-level character education committees, "Character Education by Design: A Blueprint for Successful District and School Initiatives" is a how-to guide for developing an effective character education initiative, one that will not only enhance the climate of the school and social behavior of the students, but…

This study explored the experiences of six preservice teachers who participated as interns in a Professional Development School (PDS), examining how they understood and made sense of their experience of learning teach in a PDS context. Researchers used a phenomenological case study with narrative inquiry, collecting data from interviews, field…

The status and future of academic advising is examined in this American College Testing Program (ACT) monograph, providing an in-depth look at the topics consistently viewed as critical to the success of advising programs. In chapter 1, Wesley R. Habley introduces the monograph by examining the trends in advising over the past 15 years, focusing…

This book proposes an "engagement" theory of program quality to evaluate and improve higher education programs at all degree levels. Based on interviews with 781 participants in a national study of Masters degree programs, it focuses on the interactive roles of students, faculty, and administrators in developing high-quality programs…