Discusses the Pocketful of History project, which uses historical fiction and biographies to fill in gaps in student knowledge and engage children in meaningful learning experiences. Presents examples of seven historical figures featured in the project. (CFR)

Examines Socratic teaching methods with special attention to the desirability of the approach's objectives. Contends that Socratic teaching attempts to guide the student from complacency to a state of humility and perplexity. Suggests types of situations in which a Socratic approach can be responsibly and effectively used. (CFR)

Discusses issues related to dress codes, student behavior, and youth gangs. Presents a role-playing activity based on a proposed dress code aimed at gang-related clothing in a secondary school. Includes two student handouts and step-by-step instructional procedures. (CFR)

Presents answers from a teacher, a curriculum developer, and the educational literature to the question "How is hands-on learning evaluated?" Describes different approaches to performance-based assessments including performance tasks, observational checklists, and portfolios. (PR)

Presents a two-part article about the use of the Paideia Seminar approach in college and high school classrooms. Outlines the preparation and implementation of discussion seminars. Details student attitudes about the approach. Includes three tables with guidelines, rules, and communication suggestions for seminar leaders. (CFR)

Asserts that negative behaviors and attitudes prevent sustained academic environments. Recommends practical ideas and perspectives to bring changes that contribute to greater student success. Includes two figures depicting an information-constructivist model of school learning and four major components of curriculum decision making. (CFR)

This paper cites observational and interview evidence indicating that language immersion students in the United States and Canada increasingly avoid using their second language in peer interactions as they move into higher primary grade levels. Implications for immersion programs and teachers are discussed. (32 references) (MDM)

Reports on an evaluative study of a secondary level civics curriculum in the Netherlands. Finds a discrepancy between the curriculum plans of the developers and the classroom implementation of the curriculum. Recommends an implementation-oriented development strategy with emphasis on early and intensive formative evaluation. (CFR)

The construct of performance expectations provides a way to organize knowledge about classroom instruction and learning. Areas of expectations that merit research include teacher knowledge of subject, teacher decisions about curriculum content and time allocation, classroom management, changes in expectations between teachers, task variables, and…

Discusses dilemmas teachers may face when shifting their concept of teaching or tutoring from explaining or telling to a constructivist perspective of facilitating the development of students' knowledge structures. Examines teachers' decisions during a 20-minute segment of dialogue between a student and teacher while studying linear functions. (14…

Traditional methods of teaching addition include algorithms that involve right-to-left procedures. This article describes efficient procedures for left-to-right addition and subtraction involving computation and computational estimation that reflect children's natural behaviors observed during activities with unifix cubes. (MDH)

This study evaluated the impact of a school-based nutrition teaching program on students' knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. Modest use of the program "Nutrition for Life" related to modest attitude, behavior, and knowledge differences. Interactions among teacher assignment, nutrition teaching, and program use explained variations in…

Offers activities that foster sharing, supporting, and risk taking for teachers seeking to change instructional practice to implement the NCTM "Professional Teaching Standards." Reviews common obstacles to change, reviews individual and collective professional behaviors that support change, and makes eight recommendations to enhance the…

A Canadian university teacher of Native languages assessed the effectiveness of personal acquaintance with students, realistic reassurance, and avoidance of threatening behaviors for preventing and reducing school anxiety among Native students. Five case histories illustrate the successes and limitations of this approach. (Author/SV)

The social context of school reform efforts is examined. It is argued that the intended modern school curriculum, designed to produce self-motivated, active learners, is undermined by classroom policies that emphasize simple obedience. Alignment of curriculum and a revised management scheme that serves as an instructional scaffold are recommended.…