A preschool teacher of children who are deaf or hard of hearing describes her classroom program, which provides children with opportunities to make choices; encourages whole language learning through theme cycles; teaches by means of learning centers, dramatic play, and science investigations; and reinforces the day's activities through use of a…

Discusses the results of a content analysis of student journals in which the students applied concepts from their social psychology course to their daily social experiences. Reveals that students applied each of four cognitive operations (labeling, explaining, reducing consequences, and self-assessing) to various aspects of the self. (MJP)

Provides a rationale for using classical music as the basis of interdisciplinary units in elementary social studies. Recommends beginning with a series of humorous pieces to familiarize students with classical music. Includes many examples for utilizing pieces related to geography and history. (MJP)

Varying levels of inservice training and support in use of classwide peer tutoring (CWPT) were provided for 44 elementary teachers whose classes included students with learning disabilities. Analysis of teachers' survey responses, teachers' classroom observations, and interviews of six implementors indicated that level of support did not…

Reviews the literature on the characteristics of the good language learner and language teacher, showing those traits contributing to effective language learning as well as literature outlining practices and activities contributing to the development of a good language teacher. Includes an activity performance checklist. (14 references) (Author/CK)

Describes the procedures, preparation, and background material necessary for a class to produce an updated version of a living newspaper puppet play. These plays, originally produced by the Federal Theater Project, took a strong editorial position while examining and satirizing political issues. (MJP)

Describes a series of activities designed to teach the content of social studies as well as promote literacy. Most of the activities involve establishing definitions and connections between vocabulary words and key concepts, places, and dates. Includes an exercise using key words and questions to study imperialism and India. (MJP)

Discusses the development and implementation of small group work focusing on seminar presentations and term papers in a microclimatology class. The class utilized peer- and self-assessment strategies developed in conjunction with a university department of education. Responses both from teachers and students were positive. (MJP)

Presents a lesson plan constructed around activities and materials concerning the National Park System. Activities include using maps and other geographic tools to acquire, process, and report information in spatial terms; discovering the physical and human characteristics of places; and interpreting how culture and experience influence…

A longitudinal action-research project began with professional development to help elementary teachers understand differences between the collectivist values of most Latin Americans and the individualistic values of the dominant U.S. culture. Teachers could then capitalize on the collectivist values of helping others to support Latino student…

Argues the usefulness of timelines for fourth, fifth, and sixth grade history instruction, contending that timelines reveal history's unfolding better than fact-recall techniques. Presents ways to use timelines, including autobiographical, large display, and manipulative timelines, and combining timelines with biographies. Suggests timelines help…

Presents a case study involving two teaching certification students. Examines how a social studies methods course and a one-year elementary school postbaccalaureate teacher education program influenced students' educational beliefs and practices. Finds influences are partial, differential, and interactive with students' backgrounds and…

This study investigated two questions: (1) will student selection of instructional materials motivate them to learn and (2) are female students reacting to discrimination in textbooks? Tested an instructional method that included discussion, brainstorming, and keeping journals and logs. Concludes that students' performance improves when they see a…

Describes a program in which students earn high school credits using a high tech/high touch classroom and learning basic skills and having successful learning experiences. Discusses the groundwork of the program, credit towards graduation, staffing, funding, student selection, and establishing the system. Students have a high return rate. (MVL)

Describes a method of integrating a course syllabus with a field geological inventory of the surrounding area. Consists of three modules, each with a preparatory unit, field trip, and summary unit. Discusses first hand experiences, learning cycles, novelty factors, and moving from the concrete to abstract. (MVL)