Most institutions of higher education have some system in place for collecting student ratings of instruction (SRI) data from classes on a systematic basis. SRIs are a relatively simple way of gauging student perceptions of teaching and the course. Since the initial development of IDEA SRI in 1975, much has changed about higher education. Many…

This guide for elementary grade teachers is designed to present a perspective for the social studies which will enable teachers, and hence their students, "to discern coherence, continuity and preciseness in the study of human affairs." It reflects on interdisciplinary approach, based on the relatedness of the social sciences and strongly…

Activities in this self-instructional module are designed to develop teacher-trainee competencies in organizing knowledge (information) for the purpose of classroom instruction. Behavioral objectives delineate the following specific competencies desired upon completion of the study: 1) the ability to distinguish between facts, concepts, and…

One of the primary teaching tasks of an elementary school social studies teacher is that of helping pupils interpret the numerous sources of data found in a social studies program. The purpose of this self-instructional teacher education module is to develop proficiency in utilizing data interpretation process. A sequence of activities is designed…

Teachers and teacher educators seem to be little aware of some major concepts about instruction that provide important insights into the central requirements for learning. A common misconception is that motivation has to do with wanting or desiring. It is instead attention to stimuli that is influenced by two powerful agents--(1) suspense,…

This is a teacher's guide and end of year summary for an eleventh grade course on area studies. The course is part of an articulated curriculum for grades K-12. The guide contains goals for the course which are related to values, skills, and concepts and generalizations. The focus of the course is on problems of four selected areas: Western…