In contextualized instruction, the critical features of a context are considered important for the acquisition and transfer of a skill. Examples of contextualized instruction programs are Functional Context Education (FCE) and Anchored Instruction (AI). FCE involves the teaching of reading and mathematics skills in contexts that are relevant to…

Contradictary reports about almost everything are poured into almost everyone, constantly, by the media. (JH)

The results of a careful and systematic reanalysis of the data of almost 100 comparative studies of different college teaching methods are reported. No shred of evidence was found to indicate any basis for preferring one teaching method over another as measured by the performance of students on course examinations. Underlying all theories…

This paper presents a review of research on the effectiveness of educational television compared to traditional face-to-face instruction. The studies reviewed are presented under seven rubrics: TV as a catalyst for learning; two-way TV; use of commercial TV shows; simulation of a real situation; TV integrated as part of the classroom lecture; TV…

An Analysis of the teaching plans of adult educators in the Ohio Cooperative Extension Service and an examination of the relationship between the quality of the teaching plan for one lesson, the effectiveness of teaching performance as rated by supervisors, and personal experience factors of the educator were conducted. A 40% random sample was…

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of varying pictorial detail and presentation strategy on learners of varying grade levels in a visually transmitted concept formation task. Specifically, line drawings containing only relevant details and halftones containing relevant and irrelevant detail were presented successively and…

Care must be taken in examining studies that compare one method of teaching to another. The need for precise identification of the critical variables in instructional methods is stressed. The critical contribution of variables other than "method" should be examined. (Author/MLW)

To curb malpractice in the education sector, various countries have developed professional codes of conduct. Given the importance of this issue, the International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP) devoted this book to codes of conduct. This book includes three separate, though interrelated and complimentary parts. Section One of the report…

This 2-year study involving 298 grade school pupils investigates the comparative effectiveness of creative dramatics and storytelling. While the results indicate neither had an effect on children's interests and reading achievement, there is indication that storytelling may have more influence than creative dramatics on self-image and empathy.…

In this comparative study, videotapes proved superior to live presentation in the demonstration of various nursing procedures. (Editor)

Describes the development of a memory assessment instrument, the Perceptual Memory Test (PMT), which allows the nonverbal evaluation of various memory modalities. Compares the PMT with the Iowa Test of Musical Literacy and concludes that memory in a general sense might be important in performance on a musical assessment device. (FL)

Describes a writing exercise in which students write alternate versions of poems, and observes that interesting discussions about the nature and quality of poetry result when the class tries to identify the original poems. (MM)

Studies the later course grades of students enrolled in freshman calculus taught using traditional texts through 1994-95 and the Harvard method which was fully adopted starting in 1995-96. Reports that, in some cases, the results were indistinguishable but some statistically significant patterns were found. (Author/ASK)

Often after students solve a problem they believe they have accomplished their mission and stop further exploration. The purpose of this article is to discuss ways to encourage students to "look back" so as to maximise their learning opportunities. According to Polya, by "looking back" at a completed solution, by reconsidering and re-examining the…