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…

Dynamic Learning Communities (DLCs) offer an alternative approach to the traditional Instructional Design (ID) format for learning. This paper outlines the concept of a dynamic learning community as an alternative to teacher-controlled or pre-designed instructional systems. DLCs are groups of people, who form a learning community generally…

This paper reports on a 12-week study of 131 students in eight fourth-grade social studies classrooms in two elementary schools in the southwestern United States with low socioeconomic, high minority populations. Although research has indicated that cooperative learning enhances student achievement, promotes self-esteem, and improves interpersonal…

In the 1900s, distance education attempted to mimic the traditional classroom lecture via the transmission of live or "canned" broadcasts, regardless of the technologies used: satellite, television, film, or radio. These kinds of media predisposed distance education (DE) to closely adhere to the lecture (sit and absorb) model, where…

This book offers "survival" advice for faculty newcomers, organizing the discussion under the actual categories of work in which faculty typically engage. Chapter 1, "Institutional Environment and the Academic Community," examines the culture of an academic institution and how faculty newcomers become acculturated or socialized…

The aim of the study was to examine the effects of implementing computerized project based- learning (CPBL) approach into a didactical course for third year pre-service mathematics teachers. In this paper we focus on impacts concerning the pre-service teachers as learners. Analysis of the data revealed three main sub-categories relating to aspects…

The philosophy behind adult literacy in Zanzibar is that adult literacy is a process whereby the illiterate is empowered to become aware of his or her potential. Literacy activities emphasize a relation to work, sometimes known as functional literacy. Specific objectives of literacy programs are to improve living conditions, impart self-reliant…

This action research project investigated the use of various methods of teaching as a means of developing an integrated curriculum to address the lack of transfer skills among kindergarten students. Evidence of the problem included the deficiency of skills demonstrated on academic assessments, teacher observations, and anecdotal records. Analysis…

Notes some of the problems and payoffs involved in adding brief field projects to political science classes. Recommends a variety of activities including attending a public forum, community meeting, or legislative session. Students view first-hand how these organizations operate and sharpen their research skills. (MJP)

Describes an in-class activity where children and their parents are invited to an undergraduate child development class. The children's ages match the developmental stages that the class is studying. The parents/children discuss various issues with the students. Briefly outlines some of the discussion patterns that occur. (MJP)

Outlines a dozen alternative formats for oral book reports that can turn this often boring ritual into an engaging learning experience. These creative formats emphasize the inherently important concepts of the books and build in listener accountability through authentic assessment. The formats include creating comic books, mock trials, and…

Contends that student motivation is a major issue for all teachers but is of particular concern for middle school social studies teachers. Reports on an interview with 18 middle school teachers and 60 middle school students on the effectiveness of strategies designed to increase motivation. (CFR)

Presents information and materials for conducting a student forum on crime and community schools. Provides instructions for students and teachers. Includes student roles and a community questionnaire designed to be completed and sent to the American Bar Association. (CFR)

Asserts that examining cultural artifacts brings important learning opportunities to the classroom. Describes the planning process for a trip to Japan and the collection of cultural artifacts for a social studies curriculum kit. Includes suggested classroom activities using the kit. (CFR)

Idaho secondary students learn the scientific method through outdoor environmental projects related to water quality monitoring. A program trains teachers to design project-based learning and provides extensive followup support. Five-day summer workshops immerse teachers in the types of projects they will orchestrate with their own students.…