Contends that students in spatial analysis courses generally are familiar with computer use and programs but lack basic computer programing skills. Describes four exercises in which students learn programing using BASIC and dBASE. Asserts that programming exercises help students clarify concepts, understand the rationale behind calculations, use…

The article suggests a method for organizing the research on teaching thinking and provides examples of indicators of teacher performance within various domains (hypothesis testing, argument assessment, problem solving, probabilistic thinking, and flexibility). Examples of empirical evidence supporting each indicator are included. (SM)

Evaluates two contrasting computer-based learning applications, based on the "open" hypermedia approach, that were introduced into undergraduate engineering degree courses. Concludes that carefully written computer-based applications can be effective for teaching basic knowledge and can also be used as a means for allowing students to develop…

Outlines the Technical Aide (TA) internship program in the Tamalpais Union High School District (Larkspur, California) where students skilled in computer use facilitate technology use within the school. A TA program can provide needed personnel and service in the library as well as highlight library staff competence in technology. Presents tips…

Discusses the importance of evaluating the inquiry process of learners in order to develop independent learners who are information literate. Highlights include national and state evaluation standards; school districts' curriculum documents that reflect information literacy with a focus on process; learner evaluation criteria; and assessment tools…

Describes use of the little-known Shuttle Puzzle in computer programming to elucidate the process of analyzing a problem and synthesizing observations into an algorithm that can be used to generate a programming solution. The process used to solve the problem reflects one that an expert uses. The method could be adapted for small-group cooperative…

Discussion of the need for new teaching practices and teacher training to support the integration of information and communication technology focuses on national programs in Portugal. Discusses the production of educational software, production of information for the World Wide Web, and technology-skills stages for teacher training. (LRW)

Uses an analogy with a mother's cooking skills to illustrate how teachers spend years building their own "intuitive" style of teaching; how they need to constantly watch, think, and reflect, all the while dealing with multiple demands, juggling everyone's needs, seeking balance. (TD)

Two types of personalized instruction, interaction and thoughtfulness, transcend the behavioral paradigm to include experiences building on individual student differences. Teachers can facilitate learners' progress from cognitive skill development to mastery and real-life problem solving by stressing experiential and inquiry learning, independent…

Observation of 200 children ages 4 to 19 attending a Massachusetts nongraded alternative school disclosed substantial age mixing. Younger children used older children to develop skills and acquire knowledge. Age mixing encouraged opportunities for creativity, helped match abilities, and fostered older children's sense of responsibility for younger…

A study investigated the effectiveness of a program designed to prepare 12 Israeli adults with physical disabilities for autonomous and independent life in the community. Results found that it was possible to enhance participants' autonomy based on a systematic program that included development of group cohesiveness along with development of…

At Montpelier (Vermont) High School, faculty members, in collaboration with University of Vermont colleagues, received a federal U.S. Department of Education grant to make personalized learning plans based on students' strengths and goals a reality for disabled and nondisabled students. The process empowered students and enhanced family…

Asserts that the social studies classroom is ideal for the development of students' civic decision-making skills explaining that decision making must include elements of group interaction and creative expression. Describes traditional decision-making models and decision making as a process and performance. Addresses group interaction, cooperative…

Contends that many choral programs suffer from a continued dependence on the piano for music learning and intonation. Provides suggestions that will help students develop sight-reading and singing skills that are not centered around the piano, such as creating a sight-reading system and having students read choral music immediately. (CMK)

Examined relationships between the way middle-school physical educators structured practice tasks and the amount of practice students received. Analysis of videotapes of eight teachers and their students during two class periods indicated that skill level, task structure, and practice were related. Task organization related to both the quantity…