Describes how the parents of the author's fifth-grade students joined the literature circles in her classroom--either in person, through writing, or through recorded conversations. Notes that the literature discussions became richer and more sophisticated as families added layers of meaning to the context built in class. (SR)

A study examined the ability of 32 grade-5 students in Alberta (Canada) to interpret Radarsat satellite radar images. The students were able to interpret most elements of the images, but working directly with the CD-ROM proved too difficult for them. The Radarsat images have limited value as a geographic resource at the grade-5 level. (TD)

Fifth- and sixth-grade aggressive and acting-out students from a Latino community were organized into two groups based on their classroom academic performance. Students who were rated as aggressive but were high on school learning reported more resiliency indicators than those low on school learning. Parental supervision was the key variable…

The Starbase-Atlantis case study describes a successful implementation of a hands-on science curriculum program based on a partnership between the U.S. Navy and local Title I elementary schools. The program has improved students' achievements in mathematics and science. (MMU)

Describes a collaborative research study working to plan instruction and assess student learning. Describes the dilemmas encountered and the decision-making process as the teachers collaborated to develop a vision of how best to create an integrated unit on the Civil Rights Movement that fostered student learning but also facilitated aesthetic…

Before playing a video game, 47 gifted second graders and 47 gifted fifth graders were instructed to adopt an evaluative, process, outcome, or no specific goal focus while playing. Older children showed better performance overall and their best performance when instructed to adopt an evaluative goal. Younger children showed their worst performance…

Describes a study that measured the ability of New Zealand students, grades five though eight, to locate information using library structures and systems through the standardization of six information skills tests. The paper and pencil tests were based on an information problem-solving perspective. (Author/LRW)

Considers how if educators view students' first language as a problem that needs to be eradicated, perhaps they make learning English more difficult. Describes an approach focusing on cognates used with 20 middle school students in their first year of a transitional program in south Florida. (SG)

Presents observations of 15-member literature discussion group in a fifth-grade classroom. Shows that even in such groups, intended to create a more democratic forum where students' voices are heard and valued, factors like gender, cultural background, and status play a role in whose ideas get expressed and are actually listened to. (SR)

Discusses the efficacy of a Writers' Workshop (WW) approach for promoting writing skills and writing self-efficacy in fourth- and fifth-grade learning-disabled students who had significant writing deficits. Compares various outcomes from WW students with outcomes of students with significant writing deficits who were exposed to a "writing across…

Observed four fifth-graders who collaboratively solved problems integrating concepts related to fractions and area. Compared features of learning through peer collaboration with teacher-directed learning, including whole solution versus component parts, appropriation versus scaffolding, analysis versus synthesis, conflict versus errorless…

Examines differences in certain factors such as student achievement and student attendance in K-8 versus K-5 and 6-8 grade configurations in Baltimore City Public Schools. Finds, for example, that students in K-8 schools had significantly higher reading, language arts, and mathematics scores than did students in K-5 or 6-8 schools. (Contains 20…

Examined the effects of a technology-enriched classroom on student development of higher-order thinking skills and student attitudes toward computers in grades five and six. Describes use of the Ross Test of Higher Cognitive Processes and the Computer Attitude Questionnaire, compares results with students in traditional classrooms, and suggest…

Investigated relationships between deception and self-perception of traditionally masculine and feminine characteristics. Elementary students completed sex role inventories, then boys completed questionnaires on masculine, feminine, and neutral topics. Questionnaires allowed opportunity for deception regarding knowledge level. Feminine boys…

Illustrates how the transformation approach can be used to enhance the social studies curriculum. Describes a project where elementary students analyze primary documents and firsthand accounts of a shared, class experience in order to help them understand the role that cultural perspective plays in the recording of history. (CMK)