This paper discusses whether critical thinking can be taught in the college classroom. It argues that education in general provides the tools for thinking, and therefore, improves the capability for better thinking. The Alverno College faculty, as an example, has improved student critical-thinking ability because the faculty stresses explicitness,…

The use of protocols--oral verbalizations of the problem solving process--in a critical thinking and problem solving class offers a number of advantages to students and teachers alike. Protocols help students (1) learn to read problems carefully; (2) focus on the important characteristics of specific problems; (3) slow down their problem-solving…

This article explores some of the challenges that young children face when they begin formalised literacy learning in the classroom, in particular learning to write. The challenges are discussed in terms of the transitions children are faced with when moving from family and community literacy practices to more explicit and formal school learning…

The pamphlet reviews research on creativity and applies it to the learning process. After discussing the definition and measurement of creativity, the components of creative performance are outlined, including domain-relevant skills, creativity-relevant skills, and intrinsic task motivation. Factors which destroy students' creativity are noted,…

In a study of beginning collegiate volleyball players, two classes were assigned to a traditional approach, and two to a Motor Processes Approach. Following 8 weeks of instruction, the Motor Processes classes were significantly better on the set, serve, and pass, and were more knowledgeable. Students indicated that they believed they learned equal…

The essential skills in the dramatic arts for K-12 students as promulgated by the State of Arizona are presented. Three goals are identified for all students: (1) create drama through artistic collaboration; (2) form aesthetic judgments; and (3) relate dramatic arts and its significant works to its social and historical context. The ways in which…

Beginning with a rationale for implementing a primary grade keyboarding course, this paper describes the implementation of such a course at the Bernardsville (New Jersey) Elementary School. The methods and procedures discussed include the essential concepts to consider when teaching keyboarding and the materials necessary to implement the program.…

A logical, performer-based approach to teaching psychomotor skills is described. Four phases of surgical psychomotor skills training are identified, using an example from a dental preclinical training curriculum: (1) dental students are acquainted with the postural and positional parameters of balanced psychomotor performances; (2) students learn…

Teaching English composition and interpersonal communication concurrently enhances students' opportunities to learn and apply communication skills. Since many of these skills are common to both courses of study, not only is learning reinforced, but the skills can be presented and practiced in a variety of ways. More important, English composition…

The role of the syllabus in second language teaching is described, distinguishing six major types of syllabi and how they might be implemented in various teaching situations. The foreign language teaching syllabus involves both the integration of subject matter (what to talk about) and linguistic matter (how to talk about it). Choices of syllabi…

Addressing two recurrent concerns in educational debate--how a discipline can contribute to students' analytical and critical thinking, and how to improve students' ability to express themselves orally and in writing--the Language of Critical Thinking course is designed to strengthen critical thinking skills by using a legal case study approach.…

A reading and study skills course for college students, based on concepts of metacognition and schema, was organized around a management system and an instructional process to ensure that students would make use of their self-knowledge, their learned study reading skills, and their understanding of things, people, language, etc. to make sense from…

Computerized science simulations were employed by high school biology students in an attempt to enhance their problem-solving skills. The simulations were administered under unguided (discovery learning) and guided (guided discovery learning) conditions while a control group received no simulations. To ascertain the effectiveness of the…

This paper discusses the instruction of adult performance outcomes and life skills in classes for students with mental disabilities. Basic considerations in teaching life skills include teaching for lifelong learning, teaching for relevancy, and teaching beyond textbooks and classrooms. Several strategies have contributed to the success of…