Using data from a national study of instructional practices in 7th- through 8th-grade science classes, this study examined a subset of Christian school teachers to determine what instructional practices predominated in Christian-school science classes. Results indicated that participants used 10 teaching methods (six constructivist and four…

Suggests that using mazes in English-as-a-Second-Language and other preservice-teacher-education classes provide student teachers with an opportunity to enhance decision-making skills by choosing a particular course of action and reflecting on its likely outcomes. Mazes let students engage in debate with their peers about classroom actions without…

Examines the nature of a middle school classroom during the development of a community of learners by focusing on teacher/student interactions and the connections made by students with people outside of the classroom. Finds that the teacher's role is critical in creating a community of learners. Contains 54 references. (Author/WRM)

This article summarizes the critical findings of recent research syntheses concerning intervention with students who have learning disabilities. The syntheses examined research on higher-order processing and problem- solving, reading comprehension, written expression, and grouping practices associated with improved outcomes in reading. Principles…

Examined the effect of eliminating tracking and instead teaching heterogeneous classes using cooperative learning. Observations of high school classes, interviews with students and teachers, and specimen data found several changes in pedagogy and attitudes, including more student-centered, interactive classes; greater higher-order questioning and…

This article is divided into two parts. The first discusses theoretical issues related to the software program introduced, and the second deals with practical issues, including technical and pedagogical considerations in implementing the program. (Author/VWL)

A Nebraska high school art teacher who wanted to change from dictator to facilitator suggested that his class study local barns. Students found an old round barn, involved other classes, and helped found a nonprofit organization that coordinated a successful community-wide restoration effort. (TD)

Focuses on how skills required by the visually impaired to facilitate language learning are acquired in mainstream and special schools. (18 references) (CK)

Examines issues affecting the teaching and learning of listening skills within the study of Japanese as a Foreign Language. Listening within foreign-language learning is a complex skill, and students encounter several difficulties in learning to listen for comprehension. Teachers face concerns ranging from resource availability to how to teach…

Profiles interlanguage pragmatics as an area of inquiry in second-language acquisition (SLA) research by reviewing existing studies with a focus on learning, examining research findings in interlanguage pragmatics shedding light on basic questions in SLA, exploring cognitive and social-psychological theories illuminating aspects of pragmatic…

Explores whether pragmatic fluency is best acquired by provision of input and opportunity for communicative practice alone, or whether learners profit more with additional explicit instruction in the use of conversational routines. The article hypothesized that such instruction raises learners' awareness of the functions and contextual…

Describes a project where students build their own catapults and modify them to solve four problems. Suggests the unit be integrated with a social studies unit on the Middle Ages. (PR)

This ethnographic case study examined the attitudes of two student teachers toward the practice teaching experience, their relationship with classroom teachers and advisors, and their teaching philosophy. Suggests that a strong and collaborative teacher-student teacher relationship is essential for a successful practice teaching experience. (MDM)

Middle school teachers can integrate math and language skills with an innovative project that puts math on display. The "Math Museum" has students visit exhibits (colorfully illustrated math problems) in pairs, then discuss ways to approach and solve each problem on display. (SM)

A high school biology teacher studied the use of both competitive and noncompetitive games in classroom learning. Students were surveyed to find out how they felt about the games and what they learned from them. Results indicated that games helped students improve self-esteem, peer relationships, and learning. Competition provided motivation but…