External performance assessments for teachers of mathematics have traditionally been accomplished through reviews of student comments as well as through formal evaluations by superiors. Additionally, evaluating lecture-based teaching (as opposed to more active learning environments) focuses primarily on classroom performance, curriculum planning,…

This document describes a study that implemented active learning into a large introductory biology course. Five approaches were employed to promote the active learning: name badges, cooperative learning groups, large group discussion, in-class written responses, and written take-home assignments. The active learning approach takes more time than a…

Explains the results of an effort to introduce active learning strategies into the general chemistry curriculum at the United States Naval Academy. Reports that students in an active learning classroom showed significant improvement in performance compared to students in a lecture-based course. (Author/YDS)

Presents results of a national survey of public relations instructors regarding use of active learning approaches identified in the survey. Finds that respondents often use the 10 active learning approaches. Indicates that some demographic characteristics of public relations faculty are significant predictors of willingness to use these…

Introduces the Techniques in Chemistry I course taught in the Furman University Department of Chemistry which focuses on organic and inorganic chemistry. Uses a problem solving approach and active learning. (Contains 17 references.) (YDS)

In most Hollywood teacher movies, a change toward the learning paradigm occurs after the teacher understands that the instructional paradigm is unworkable. Many real teachers refuse to make this shift because the learning-paradigm classroom is emotionally and intellectually demanding, requires more time for planning and critical reflection, and is…

Introduces the Workshop Biology Project which is based on conceptual change by confronting students' conceptions and inquiry based science context. (Contains 24 references.) (Author/YDS)

In spite of the efforts to increase student performance by using the newest technologies and software, there has not been enough advancement in student learning. Innovative teachers who make time to incorporate projects utilizing instructional technology are too often disappointed with the results; others find that their students spend an…

The students need not compute dependent values required in making line graphs but to teach the students the usage of graphing calculator to plot, calculating and graph linear equations, which are best suited to real world data. In this initial learning process, the teacher should give minimum support to the students in arriving at a solution as…

In this article, the author focuses on teaching the Millennials how to become effective learners and guiding them to hone their critical-thinking skills. Millennials are the children of the Baby Boomer generation, and some are the offspring of the early wave members of Generation X. These students learn differently and interact differently than…

This study explored the effects of active learning and types of elaboration on procedure acquisition (writing database queries). Training materials emphasized elaborations of conditions for executing actions versus elaborations of the connection between conditions and actions. In the "active" conditions, participants performed structured exercises…

Inquiry-based learning is more work than passive learning, and there is a body of students who prefer to take the easier route. But there is also a body of students who wish to explore science. Two descriptive evolutionary experiments conducted by university freshman/sophomore biology majors, enrolled in General Zoology are described.

The National Science Foundation funded the Multi-Initiative Dissemination (MID) project that was undertaken to introduce chemistry faculty to a variety of innovative new models, approaches, materials, and tools for active learning, retention, and understanding in lecture and lab. Innovations in units individualized to meet the needs of students…

A new approach for teaching general chemistry that combines lecture and laboratory into one seamless session and incorporates instructional methods supported by research-based findings is described. A comparative study of the understanding of basic chemical concepts and effective use of high-order cognitive skills by students exposed to two…

In Portugal, the number of students in higher education increased from 80,000 in 1975 to 381,000 in 2000 (a change from 11% to 53% in the age group 18-22), meaning a major change in the diversity of student population with consequences well known and studied in other countries. The teaching of chemistry at the University of Aveiro, for the…