A variety of beliefs and practices central to middle schools may cause special difficulties for gifted learners. Such practices often focus on potentially competing goals of student competencies versus student excellence and include such practices as heterogeneous grouping, cooperative learning, and an absence of clearly defined middle school…

Presents a class project facilitated by a teacher who used his background in construction to teach students to build a house, during which process many geometric and measurement concepts were introduced or reinforced. Discusses importance of student responsibility and the vital cooperation between construction experts, materials suppliers, and…

Studies social interaction between native speakers and second-language learners by examining the native speakers' role ininteraction using data collected with microethnographic methods. Findings indicate that native speakers should be trained to interact with second-language learners and language interaction should be a goal of the class as a…

Reports on a study of adult learners' use of the simple past tense that showed that past tense acquisition occurs in stages determined by the lexical aspects of verbs. The article also describes a pedagogical approach for increasing accurate past tense use through contextualized examples in authentic texts and focused noticing exercises. (Contains…

A survey of 114 U.S. and Canadian medical schools gathered information about the content, organization, and teaching methods of microanatomy courses. Results suggest the courses are relatively conventional, with development of computer-assisted instruction being impeded by availability of other, less-expensive self-instructional tools.…

Describes the use of two instructional television videos, "Global Geography" and "Global Links," in science instruction using a variety of instructional techniques. (PR)

Describes a partnership between the Joint Activities Program and an inner-city school that provides students with an enriched science learning experience. The program's educational beliefs, assumptions, and their implications are discussed. Also included in the article are brief descriptions of some the science experiences and learning of the…

Describes an assignment that allows students to explore the life of the Cherokee Indians during a tragic period in history when the U.S. Government removed the Cherokees from their ancestral homeland. Students demonstrate learning by creating skits that incorporate Cherokee history, culture, and herbal remedies. (ZWH)

Using a well-planned scavenger hunt, students' awareness of the significance of minorities and women in science is enhanced. Provides a sample scavenger hunt and resource list as well as activities for extension. (ZWH)

Presents two classroom lessons about global political interdependence and the relationship between humans and the natural environment. Uses the Great Wall of China as a metaphor for discussing the irrelevance of national sovereignty and the emergence of an interdependent world. (CFR)

Argues that educational research and policymaking are hampered by increased intervention by governmental agencies and misrepresentation in the media. Asserts that current educational reform efforts are in conflict with research findings related to curriculum, learning, and assessment. (CFR)

This study used interview transcripts, videotape recordings of classroom sessions, field notes, and classroom photographs to examine the theoretical and pedagogical stances of three preschool teachers concerning language and literacy development of deaf and hard-of-hearing children. Teachers held differing theories which influenced their…

Describes how a principled ESP approach has been applied to computer-assisted language learning (CALL). A case study illustrates the job-seeking skills package. The needs analysis process is detailed; a synthesis of the language-centered, learning-centered approach to course design is outlined; and the exploitation of an authoring program is…

Explores the emotive, social aspects of English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) learning in small group settings, with special attention to the classroom experiences of an adult Japanese woman. It is argued that the opportunity to consciously reflect about her negative feelings concerning her abilities had a positive effect on her ESL learning. (24…

Department chairpersons should guide their departments to meet contemporary challenges by focusing on fostering student learning more effectively, stimulating faculty development, and engaging in curriculum development that responds to new academic syntheses and multidisciplinary approaches. (JB)