Reports a study that examined factors associated with creativity in successful teaching of college health education. Interviews with health educators who had received student-determined university teaching awards identified creative elements necessary to their success and noted individual characteristics that separated them from other teachers.…

Interconnects numerous conceptual threads in the field of giftedness, such as performance, achievement, competence, outcomes, metacognition, creativity, and making connections. Addresses the influence of different factors on the progressive nature of talent development and the need to differentiate curriculum. (CR)

Outlines a series of simple yet effective practices, techniques, and tips for improving the singing voice and minimizing stress on the vocal chords. Describes the four components for producing vocal sound: respiration, phonation, resonation, and articulation. Provides exercises for each and lists symptoms of sickness and vocal strain. (MJP)

Describes development of the Instructor Effectiveness Questionnaire (IEQ). Survey of 234 students participating in canoeing and kayaking at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (North Carolina) found that all 17 teachers received high scores, that the IEQ was able to discriminate between more- and less-effective instructors, and that female instructors…

Notes that criticism of the training offered by universities to future chemists is well documented. Suggests a 17-step model for the planning of a chemistry course that utilizes a competency-based training program. Explains each step and lists sample objectives. (MVL)

Discusses the tendency in second-language (L2) pedagogy to make fallacious comparisons between multicompetent L2 learners and monoglot speakers of the target language. The article describes the principal elements of multicompetence and presents a number of their implications for the construction of syllabi and examinations and the development of…

Explored three modes of performance-based assessment: portfolios, portfolio-based simulations, and simulation exercises. Fifteen high school biology teachers completed 11 assessment activities. The primary finding is that performance-based assessments can be designed and administered, teachers can complete them, the assessment can be rated, and…

While reminiscing over wine and granola bars, some elementary teacher-survivors from the sixties pondered timeless teaching truths newly "discovered" by education reformers, including authentic assessment, cooperative learning, a national curriculum, and brain-compatible learning. Reformers are insensitive to realistic classroom contexts when…

This study videotaped 58 university students in coeducational volleyball classes to determine what happens in physical education classes to improve student achievement. Results show that physical education teachers must increase the number and quality of learning trials to enhance motor skill proficiency.(SM)

Five steps for conducting a midterm evaluation of teaching rather than a standardized end-of-class evaluation are presented. Example outcomes are given, and observations about the process are discussed. Multiple values of midterm course evaluations are apparent for students, the instructor, and the designated evaluation facilitator. (SLD)

Reviews alternative assessment practices in several nations and questions whether these techniques should be used in the United States. Focuses on moderation, a technique in which trained evaluators adjust grades to ensure equitable distribution among participating schools. Concludes that evaluation in art education presents special problems and…

Study surveyed South Dakota's Native American and Euro-Asian elementary teachers regarding differences in learning styles between Native American and Euro-Asian children. Analysis revealed significant differences in the way the two groups view factors contributing to lower reading achievement of Native American students. (SM)

Moving beyond question of whether on-line education is beneficial or harmful, explores conditions under which one or another of six instructional methods lecture, collaborative learning, experiential learning, learning contracts, televised courses, and Web-based learning work best. Finds specific methods more appropriate for some subject matters,…

Reviews faculty and student attitudes concerning the learning and growth of students for whom English is a second language (ESL students). Draws on case studies and hundreds of ESL student statements to evaluate the state of educational approaches and the directions they seem to be moving in. (TB)

Presents a unit approach that utilizes Howard Gardner's seven intelligences (Linguistic, Logical/mathematical, Spatial, Music, Kinesthetic/body, Intrapersonal, and Interpersonal). Students are given a list of activities and make a contract to complete a certain number on the list. A sample unit for fifth graders on the bodily systems is provided.…