The last two decades have witnessed a growing trend away from the traditional modes of instruction in physics courses at all levels, from high schools through universities. The reasons for this, as well as some commentary on several non-traditional styles of physics instruction, are presented in this paper. The article does not attempt to promote…

This paper criticizes traditional methods of science teaching for decreasing student interest in studying science. It describes cooperative learning and its usefulness in teaching biology so that the study of science becomes a social experience. The paper presents two methods used in biology lecture classes: the Introductory (Icebreaker) Workshop…

This collection of papers presents a variety of field-tested examples that use problem-based learning (PBL) for teacher education in many professional development settings. It describes PBL activities for preservice, novice, and experienced educators at all levels. The eight chapters describe teacher educators' experiences using PBL in their…

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to bilingualism and bilingual education. In a compact and clear style, bilingualism is discussed at individual, group, and national levels. The 20 chapters cover essential issues and controversies about language minorities and bilingual education. These include the following: defining who is…

Behind every myth are many possible truths allowing us to discover who we were as peoples and who we are today. By exploring myths surrounding the Wampanoag, the pilgrims, and the "First Thanksgiving," this lesson asks students to think critically about commonly believed myths regarding the Wampanoag Indians in colonial America. During…

This report describes a program for improving bilingual students' learning and thinking skills using the constructivist theory. It targeted bilingual high school students in a middle class, suburban Illinois high school. Students' learning and thinking behaviors were documented using methods that showed when and how they employed new learning and…

A study compared two methods for assessing English proficiency of limited-English-proficient school-age children, for purposes of placement in bilingual and monolingual education programs. The two instruments used were the Idea Oral Language Proficiency Test (forms C and D) (IPT), which assesses oral English proficiency, and the Woodcock-Munoz…

This dissertation examines the Office Technology curriculum, which prepares students for the secretarial field, at a community college in western Canada. The study also explores and compares the perceptions of students, instructors, employers and working secretaries regarding the role of the secretary, and looks at the influences that shape…

Now that the Internet has increased the potential for deception and misinformation among larger numbers of people, consumer education has a new role to play in helping people develop the skills needed to deal with the challenges of the Information Age. In the current information environment, consumers need the blend of skills and abilities that…

A study attempted to derive the meaning of critical thinking in adult education through exploration of graduate faculty members' perceptions and perceived practices of critical thinking in adult education. Grounded theory methodology was used to explain the meaning of critical thinking to adult educators. The primary data sources were unstructured…

Based on a review of educational research and informal teacher inquiry suggesting that students could benefit from instruction to improve organizational skills, this action research project examined the effects of teaching selected organizational skills on the study habits and achievement of third and ninth graders. Participating in the study were…

This study was designed to explore changes in students' problem-solving skills as they analyzed instructional design case studies during a semester-long course. Nineteen students at two Midwestern universities analyzed six to ten case studies as part of their course assignments. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected, with students'…

Each year over one million high school students complete the SAT[superscript R] I. Information on repeat testing and the probability that a student's SAT I score will change may help students and educators make better-informed decisions about retesting. This information would also be useful for high school counselors who advise students regarding…

Describes a literature-based approach to helping primary students become more proficient problem solvers in mathematics. Literature-based activities were chosen to develop a sense of community in the classroom. This enabled students to develop the self-confidence to share thoughts and feelings while problem solving in small-group and class…

Describes the use of the principles of challenging work, student autonomy, and student collaboration to involve students in constructing mathematical meaning as part of the regular curriculum. Challenge is created by the material and by the classroom environment to encourage student interest and thinking. Autonomy is encouraged by leading students…