A theory-practice model for work-based learning is premised on the idea that learning can be acquired through practice. It incorporates three strategies that can be sequenced: action learning, action science, and communities of practice. (SK)

Presents a "how to" plan for a workshop for a group of teaching assistants (TAs) from a variety of disciplines. The workshop aims to help TAs learn more interactive teaching methods with less reliance on the lecture, with the idea that such methods can help their students to become learners. (EV)

Discusses the impact of biotechnology (i.e., the use of DNA profiling in the courtroom) on today's society. Presents a hands-on activity for DNA profiling simulation that actively involves students. (YDS)

Introduces the Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL) model as an alternative to traditional cooperative learning. Discusses the difficulties of PLTL based curriculum which include finding the peer leaders, selecting the right materials for implementation, and training techniques for peer leaders. (YDS)

Applies self-determination theory to investigate the effects of students' course-specific self-regulation and their perceptions of their instructors' autonomous support on adjustment and academic performance in a college-level organic chemistry course. Hypothesizes that students taking the organic chemistry course for relatively autonomous reasons…

Reports on some of the special considerations that were necessary when ConcepTests, a student active-learning method (SAL), was used in a smaller-sized class (15 students). Finds that the use of ConcepTests was a great way to actively engage students despite the small class size. (MM)

Discusses the lack of success with lecturing for academic library instruction and suggests active learning as a better alternative. Highlights include a historical overview of active learning; considerations for active learning in the library classroom; and active learning and library instruction for special groups. (LRW)

When teachers ask upper middle school and high school students what they know about the Westward movement, the students usually draw on their experiences with simulation games. Rather than rely on simulation games or texts to help students understand that era, these authors advocate moving middle or high school students from a simplistic to a…

This article describes one classroom's experience with a unit of study that helped students connect their artistic experiences with their understanding of prehistoric times. The unit, culminating in a performance, involved three sixth-grade classes. The components of the thematic unit reinforced an understanding of the elements and principles of…

Describes a modified version of the Paper River exercise that appeared in the spring 1999 journal issue. Illustrates the application of the Coase theorem for solving an externality problem. Indicates students share a single productive resource and work in groups rather than pairs as they did in the earlier version. (JEH)

Active learning is an educational paradigm that has been reinvented and methodologically underpinned many times in order to intensify learning in various forms. This paper presents a complex approach to active learning in a design-centred academic course with international participation. Research and design were considered as vehicles of active…

Many e-learning materials lack pedagogical principles and theoretical foundations. The great potential of activating learners and thus enriching learning experience is often unused in instructional software and online courses. Pedagogical theories like constructivist and action-orientated approaches should rather underlie the creation of new…

This paper proposes a practical framework for key skills that can be used or adapted for use in any discipline at university level. The paper begins by reviewing the arguments for and against integrating key skills into higher education. Although the skills agenda has been widely criticised on several fronts, this paper argues that key skills need…

Written comments on student evaluations often seem idiosyncratic, lacking the power of numerical statistical data. These statements, however, may sometimes reveal intellectual challenges common to novice learners in our disciplines. Instructors can use these insights as part of a scholarly approach to teaching, making meaningful adjustments to…

This article describes a language simulation involving six distinct phases: an in-class quick response, a card game, individual research, a classroom debate, a debriefing session, and an argumentative essay. An analysis of student artifacts--quick-response writings and final essays, respectively, both addressing the definition of liberty in a…