Games are a child's way of thinking, and without being instructed in a procedural method a child develops mentally, physically, and emotionally as he works to accomplish the series of tasks required to reach the completion of his game. Defines games, tells how to design a game, when they should be used, and gives some sources for music games.…

It is important that students become aware of the enormous impact that man has upon his environment and that they become concerned and participate in activities which will help them develop responsibile attitudes toward the natural world. Presents an ecology lesson and a conservation lesson with suggested teaching guides. (Author/RK)

Defines self-directed learning and explores its importance for elementary education. Focuses on ways in which classroom practices and conditions can encourage or discourage capabilities and dispositions to engage in self-directed learning. Describes the ideal classroom environment with respect to demands, supports, opportunity, and goal structure.…

College-level anthropology teaching in various countries, including Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Yugoslavia, is compared. Terminology is examined and historical background is provided. Also discussed are educational crises, the organization of teaching, and teaching methods. (RM)

The lack of a firm definition of emotional disturbance, accompanied by a dearth of valid identification methods and absence of effective programing are cited as major problems. The authors emphasize the importance of basic skills instruction, behavior management leading to self-control, and reeducation of the student's total environment. (CL)

Examines various approaches to the teaching of word meanings in the second language classroom, including the use of translation, visual aids, and direct methods. (AM)

Discusses the concept of the "social drama" and methods for teaching civilization on the basis of authentic texts. A response from the co-author (Pucheu, Rene) of an analysis of the election process in France is appended. (AM)

Constructivism assumes that people create knowledge from the interaction of their existing knowledge or beliefs and the new ideas or situations they encounter. While constructivism is emancipating and empowering, classroom application is neither widespread nor systematic. Teachers should construct feasible, well-conceived implementation plans and…

Describes "diverse" as a socially acceptable term for both gifted children and at-risk children. Recommends describing children's specific behavior to create a more definitive picture. Includes example of observation of a "dysgraphic" child and the specific behaviors expressed, suggesting that results of observation can yield ideas about…

Suggests that the growing interest in project work in early childhood education is in response to the call for developmentally appropriate practices. Defines projects and discusses the beginning of a project. Discusses the three phases of the "construction site/house project" by four- and five-year olds and provides responses to…

Describes a method by which teachers can introduce students to meaning and text through application of Mikhail Bakhtin's discourse theories. Explains that students are encouraged to reject common understandings of good writing. Identifies "daffy" definition exercises, newspaper editorial comparisons, and other activities that help…

Presented is an activity designed to help middle school students in their understanding of definitions in geometry. Five definitions involving complex quadrilaterals are discussed. Procedures and expectations for the activity are described. (CW)