Examines the following five teaching techniques that have strong motivational value: (1) study groups, (2) group projects, (3) sharing information, (4) computer-assisted instruction, and (5) field trips. (PR)

Describes an assessment strategy used by pharmacy faculty to grade student writing in a large-class, lecture-based course, outlining the steps the instructors took to recast an existing writing assignment so that it is carefully constructed and articulated, can be assessed quickly and consistently by multiple assessors (self, peer, instructor),…

Reports the results of a meta-analysis that integrates research on undergraduate science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education since 1980. The meta-analysis of 39 studies demonstrates that various forms of small-group learning promote achievement, improve attitudes toward learning, and increase persistence in these fields. Contains…

Describes a study that investigated whether second grade students internalized content and concepts embedded in a science computer simulation as opposed to treating it as a game to be played. Discusses cognitive outcomes and processes, thinking skills, use of scientific language, transfer to other contexts, and partner and gender considerations.…

Edmonds School District (Washington) was a winner in the 1999 National Awards Programs for Model Professional Development. Teacher participation in district decisions, district funding for professional development at six times the national average, mentoring for new teachers, research into best practices for professional development, and teacher…

Provides a quantitative analysis of the effectiveness of Interactive Working Groups (IWG). IWG is a process-oriented instruction developed at the Vrije University in Belgium. Analyzes such variables as prior knowledge test results, examination scores, and learning style characteristics. Results showed that IWG enhanced learning performance and…

Examination of effects on 27 secondary students' Spanish vocabulary quiz performance of 2 variables (group versus individual study and group versus individual contingencies) found that, overall, group study was superior to individual study and, within the group study condition, group contingencies were superior to individual contingencies.…

Describes a prototypical microcomputer system that improves the interactions between teacher and large language classes in a traditional language classroom setting. This system achieves dynamic interactions through multiple student/professor interventions, immediate and delayed feedback, and individual teacher/student conferences. The system uses…

Microsituations teaching is a case-based, active learning tool developed from cognitive learning theory to teach problem-solving skills to large classes while conserving faculty and other resources. Since implementing this method in an endocrine pharmacology course at the University of Kentucky, student performance on problem-solving examinations…

Offers suggestions to librarians on how to teach Internet use and Web searching to beginners. Highlights include active learning, including small group assignments; Web addresses; Web site authority, currency, accuracy, commercialism, and scope; critical thinking skills; the training environment; student exercises; and educational resources for…

Asserts that teachers find it hard to accept that cultural and political stereotyping does shape their teaching strategies and behaviors. Describes several studies of American schools that indicate that education remains sexist. States that, in teaching literature in particular, teachers must ensure there is a balance of writings by men and women,…

The Freshman Empowerment Program is a group process designed to support first generation freshmen. This article discusses the research compiled regarding the success of this program following its initial implementation. Results indicate that GPA was significantly higher for those students involved in the program compared to similar students who…

While a voluminous lecture hall can present obstacles to effective teaching and learning, large classrooms containing more than 100 students also present teaching opportunities. The lecture hall offers an excellent arena for demonstrating concepts that lend themselves to demonstrations and something this author refers to as "group performances."…

In this article, the author answers the following question: In addition to the usual wide-ranging abilities of a new class, I have one 4-year-old who has learning delays and three children with speech and language disorders. What can I do to be sure that I'm creating a classroom environment where the needs of all the children in my group can be…

Since the 1990s we have seen an increase in consideration of social and cultural aspects of learning as a way to foster organizational learning and human performance. Despite strong interest among practitioners and scholars, the study of organizational learning is lacking in empirical research. The study described here calls attention to the…