It's a simple fact: Doing the best job possible with linguistically and culturally diverse students, a strong foundation in how best to teach both science and language is needed. This comprehensive guide will expand expertise in teaching science content and processes, in language development and literacy, and in inquiry-based teaching. Plus it…

This report presents a literature review and conceptual model summarizing the influence of peer effects on learning outcomes. The report describes the approach to the review and provides a theoretical account of the environments, mechanisms, and processes that mediate learning among peers. It then summarizes the literature on compositional effects…

In the District of Columbia Public School system, two streams might characterize the professional development component of its strategic plan for high student achievement by 2014. On the one hand, the district has begun a two year professional development program aimed at making every teacher proficient. Knowing, teaching, and assessing standards…

Two university professors investigated whether or not specific pedagogy contributes to raising students' self-awareness and development of critical thinking regarding issues of social justice. This paper describes two pedagogical tools used in the study: the Roundtable and the GRECSO model. The Roundtable is a whole-class activity that explores…

In this study, the development of pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) was explored within a group of 12 preservice teachers of chemistry (all M.Sc.) during their 1-year post-graduate teacher education program. The topic in this study concerned a central issue in science teaching, viz., the use of scientific models and modeling activities. A…

The integration of technology into the curriculum is a key issue in today's schools. Whether technology should be used in schools is no longer an issue. Instead, the current emphasis is ensuring that technology is used effectively to create new opportunities for learning and to promote student achievement (The North Regional Educational…

Written by teachers for teachers, "A Kaleidoscope of Models and Strategies for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages," is a practical introduction to models and strategies employed in the teaching of English language learners. Each chapter discusses several models and/or strategies by focusing on particular methods and gives…

A review of studies on chaos theory suggests that some elements of the theory (systems, fractals, initial effects, and bifurcations) may be applied to classroom learning. Chaos theory considers learning holistic, constructive, and dynamic. Some researchers suggest that applying chaos theory to the classroom enhances learning by reinforcing…

This study explores the possibility of measuring a specific instructional strategy using statistical methods based on item response theory. It measures teachers' instructional practices using the same rigorous statistical techniques now applied to most large-scale assessments of student achievement. It specifically examines teachers' use of…

The rapid growth of Web-based instruction has raised many questions about the quality of online courses. It appears that many online courses are simply modeled after traditional forms of instruction instead of incorporating a design that takes advantage of the unique capabilities of Web-based learning environments. This paper describes a research…

This Digest summarizes what is known about the use of positive behavioral support (PBS) and functional analysis (FA) to change the behaviors of students with a variety of disabilities. The paper notes that both PBS and FA differ from traditional behavioral management in focusing on systems, settings, and lack of skill. The 1997 reauthorization of…

This paper presents an approach to the improvement of qualitative research courses in graduate schools, based on the case study of a graduate class. The study sought to link research to teaching through a qualitative research workshop. The course was developed to promote two goals: (1) community-building among graduate researchers, and (2)…

This ten classroom-hour instructional model combines skill, cognitive and affective experiences in dental health. An integration of the skills and cognitions with affective reactions promotes positive feelings and improved values regarding dental health. Motivation principles and feedback systems give the students and the instructor incentive and…