Describes an experimental course in optics for 10th grade high school students. The course incorporates those historical ideas, views, and conceptions that constituted the early understanding of light and vision. Presents a part of the course which assesses its impact on students' views about science and some related technological and cultural…

A study involving 30 British elementary children investigated the relationship between reading and gender and attitudes towards the literacy hour. Findings indicate boys wanted shorter time spans of learning activities, preferred independent work, and liked computer work. Both sexes liked working in small groups and disliked sharing their work…

Elliot Eisner, Lee Jacks Professor of Education and Art, Stanford University, imparts his thoughts about the salient features of schools he believes America needs, for example, having principals spend about one-third of their time in the classroom. (PKP)

Examines the western approach to language teaching and learning and its suitability for Asian learners, especially in mainland China. The need for cultural sensitivity is stressed, especially as there is often the tacit assumption that western practices constitute superior teaching and learning methods applicable to all situations. (Author/VWL)

This paper summarizes the results of an investigation into whether women and men have different (concrete and abstract) styles of programming, and whether the standard computing curriculum is therefore biased against women. The theory underpinning the hypothesis is critically reviewed in practical programming contexts. A concrete means of testing…

In this paper, we report on a program of study called Adventures in Modeling that challenges the traditional scientific method approach in science classrooms using StarLogo modeling software. Drawing upon previous successful efforts with older students, and the related work of other projects working with younger students, we explore: (a) What can…

This note examines the effectiveness of a program in Spain that uses the Jigsaw learning technique as an educational intervention. We used a quasi-experimental research design with two groups, two measures and an independent variable (the program). Use of the Jigsaw technique is shown to have been fairly effective on a series of measures.

This paper focuses on the European policy initiative to increase the number of teachers able to teach a modern foreign language in primary schools. It particularly focuses on the exchange placement which is an integral part of a training programme run by a university faculty of education in England and an Institut de Formation des Maitres in…

A change in curriculum permitted a direct and simultaneous comparison between first and second year responses to group project work while assuming similar prior experience with this method of learning. Responses were obtained by a survey form and by meetings with individual groups. Overall, there were no differences between first and second year…

The standing long jump was taught to 47 elementary children in one of three conditions; C1) practice only, C2) demonstration, cueing, and practice, and C3) direct instruction, which included all elements of the first two conditions + checks for understanding (CFU), corrective feedback, and closure. All children performed four jumping tasks 10…

Educational anthropologists have helped create symbolic spaces in which conversations can take place about children's lives, language, literacy, and learning. In the "New Word Order" children have no histories, no identities. Culture doesn't count. Home languages are considered interference. As the curriculum is narrowed by the use of…

This study investigates the effect of a training course, based on constructivism, on the student teachers' perceptions of teaching, learning and the roles of teachers and students in the teaching-learning process. A sample of 188 student teachers (92 of them in the experimental group and 96 in the control group) from the Hashemite University were…

Classroom teachers' beliefs and attitudes regarding the role and significance of individual differences have received relatively little attention in the literature to date, notwithstanding the well-documented importance both of teachers' beliefs and factors of individual difference for the learning and teaching process. The purpose of this study…

The internationalisation of Australian universities presents a double challenge for student support services, to provide academic support programs that address perceived culturally based academic differences and to provide support programs which are culturally sensitive, inclusive and which contribute to the success of international students.…

Gender disparity exists in many educational environments despite conscientious attempts to equalize opportunities and outcomes. Research studies indicate females are less likely to effectively engage in the use of technology for problem solving. However, in a two-year study of a Midwest elementary multi-age classroom, researchers studied…