Describes a multifaceted intervention program for high-risk nursing students, indicating that it provides reading guides, active learning techniques, and master tutors. Discusses outcomes from the first year of implementation, highlighting positive results for the master tutors, learning contracts, and reading guides. Reviews future program…

Compares academic performance between two groups of students in a statistics course. One group was given homework generated by computer software that provided feedback concerning incorrect answers. The other relied on the textbook without benefit of the feedback. The group using the software performed better on homework and tests. (MJP)

Eight articles are included in this collection. Topics include: multicultural science, teaching science with metaphors, development of a graded assessment scheme in science, relative performance of boys and girls in chemistry, promoting science understanding, formative evaluations, science background of primary teachers, and promoting creativity…

Surveyed 1200 students in a second semester general chemistry course at Purdue. Investigates areas where student and faculty perceptions of the content of chemistry courses differ. Elaborates on each area and suggests explanations for the findings involved. (MVL)

Analyzes critical problems associated with teaching world studies. Cautions that failure to conceptualize courses has lead to an overemphasis on either general or concrete material and lack of instructional diversity. Suggests methodology for conceptualizing courses. Points out the conflicting demands made upon a well conceptualized social studies…

Supports the idea that second language teachers should "teach the test," provided that such tests meet the criteria of authentic assessment. Authentic assessment focuses on constructivist learning and communicative tasks; the integration of teaching, learning, and assessment; quality and coverage of content; and quality and fairness of standards.…

Contends that an interdisciplinary curriculum and cooperative learning are well suited to middle school students. Asserts that the approaches help students learn higher order thinking skills and improve social skills. Maintains that authentic or performance-based assessment is appropriate for these techniques and this age group. (CFR)

Reports a study of British teachers' and students' perceptions of effective teaching and learning. Researchers observed and interviewed 13 teachers and 235 students (ages 11-12 years) and found considerable agreement about what constituted effective teaching and learning. Both groups believed learning opportunities were heightened by the use of…

Asserts that thoughtful assessment of student achievement can illustrate student growth to parents, administrators, and non-music teacher colleagues. Recommends incorporating student assessment into instruction by adapting common music activities so that teachers can observe and record student performance during normal instructional time. (CFR)

This article describes the Bay Area Personnel System, a consultative resource program which provides supported employment services for individuals with dual sensory impairments (and often severe mental retardation). A case study details a specific instructional mobility program, focusing on job tasks at a pizza restaurant and instructional…

Describes the selection and implementation of an authentic assessment model for evaluating students' science laboratory knowledge and skills. Provides sample problems and a scoring form for the performance-based science laboratory test. (MDH)

This study compared instructional delivery of an undergraduate special-education course via a traditional classroom, interactive television (ITV), or videotaped lectures. Students in all groups achieved equally well, and attended class regularly, but students receiving videotaped instruction were not satisfied, and students in the ITV or videotape…

The study assesses the effects of a hypertext learning aid and GPA on performance in advanced financial accounting. Results indicate that the type of learning aid and GPA significantly affect performance. High GPA students performed better than did the low GPA students. In the study, two versions of the hypertext learning aid were utilized by two…

Theory is a vitally important component of every undergraduate sociology program. Social theory classes are the heart of the undergraduate major in sociology: in these courses, students take on the professional and disciplinary roles of sociologists. This paper reports on two strategies that enlivened their social theory class, generating both…

This article describes how online discussion groups and visual collaboration can be used in combination to build and support a virtual community of learners. Data derived from several online discussion groups are presented, and the support needs of learners are highlighted as a key factor of success. (Contains 1 figure.)