With the 2016 presidential election right around the corner, geography provides a dynamic view of the spatial patterns and processes that shape the electorate. The major presidential campaigns know that a winning strategy must use geography to make informed decisions about where to allocate limited resources such as money and staff. In the end,…

The participatory action research (PAR) process discussed in the text represents the next evolutionary stage for action research and practitioner research in education. The authors integrate process with methodology to provide an overview of the PAR process similar to professional learning communities in schools. Results of the original PAR study…

This course workbook is designed to help students understand the principles of active learning, student assessment, and team training used in Arizona State University's core engineering curriculum. Eight sections focus on: (1) active learning, teaching and learning styles, and cooperative learning; (2) student assessment, levels of learning, and…

This module, one of six on teaching consumer matters to low-income groups, focuses on buying insurance. Topics include life insurance (language, types, settlement options), auto insurance, health insurance (standard, health maintenance organizations, medicaid, medicare), tenant's insurance (property damage, liability), what to do in case of loss,…

This unit presents students with dilemmas faced by U.S. policymakers with three distinct options for U.S. policy toward Japan. Background readings provide students with information on the U.S. decision to drop the atomic bomb on Japan in 1945. By exploring a spectrum of alternatives, students gain a deeper understanding of the values underlying…

This simulation allows students to learn about the struggle of daily life in Plymouth Colony. Students experience the hardships of life in the New World as they make decisions and face consequences as the Pilgrims did nearly 400 years ago. The unit is divided into nine phases with each phase taking approximately one hour of class time. Students…

Describes a semester long simulation of Supreme Court procedures. Recommends this activity for generating an understanding of the decision making process and the impact of the Justices' personal values and attitudes upon Supreme Court decisions. Notes that the course engages students in the learning process while encouraging the acquisition of…

The 12-hour unit outlined in this document is designed to introduce nursing students in their third semester of an upper division baccalaureate five-semester nursing program to the guided design decision-making process. The unit provides an introduction to interdisciplinary group decision-making language, builds upon the theoretical base of the…

This simulation allows students to participate in situations and events similar to those experienced by pioneers who headed west in early wagon trains. Students face problems such as floods, droughts, blocked trails, snakes, Indians, and the lack of food. Students must make numerous individual and small-group decisions that provide them with a…

This simulation allows students to role play workers and consumers in businesses they create. Students become involved in learning about communities by taking study trips within their real community and by reading literature related to neighborhoods and communities. Through the simulation, daily activities are introduced to students as daily…

This document consists of a package of seven separately published "activities" or simulations that allow students to learn about and participate in many of the aspects of United States history that have influenced our present institutions and way of life. The seven units include: (1) First Americans Arrive: 11.000 BC; (2) Puritan General Court,…

The Self-Actualizing Case Method (SACM) fosters high trainee involvement by making the group responsible for all aspects of the case study, including its presentation, analysis, and peer evaluation. The authors discuss this teaching method and include a survey analysis of trainees' attitudes to SACM. (PD)

Describes the use of an implementation module in public administration or policy analysis classes. Involves developing a framework to measure implementation effectiveness, quantifying elements of the framework, forming hypotheses, and testing the framework. Concentrates upon framework development and operationalization components. (KO)

This simulation allows students to learn about and participate in many of the aspects of ancient Roman life that have influenced present institutions and way of life. The phases of the unit include: (1) "Daily Life"; (2) "Forum of Roma"; (3) "Temple of Apollo"; (4) "Pax Romana"; (5) "History/Mystery:…

Describes an activity for use as an introduction to a U.S. government course. Involves placing the students in a you-be-the-judge situation through the consideration of a Supreme Court case. Requires essay writing, small group work, and reporting to the class. Points out that these exercises provide structure for the course. (KO)