These papers reflect the impact that early childhood teachers have on their students when they "stand in front of the classroom" and the effect their performance and characteristics have on children. After "Introduction: Factors that Impact Teacher Quality" (Olivia N. Saracho and Bernard Spodek), 11 papers include: (1)…

In the Information Society of the new millennium, the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is becoming essential for the rapid dissemination of information. In this context, Open and Distance Learning (ODL) will have a growing role in effectively training people to have active roles in society. However, modern learners have a…

This book presents practical skills for successful instructional design. Maintaining a balance between theory and application, it offers a flexible model that can be adapted for use in many settings. Examples are presented from business, higher education, and K-12 education. The 15 chapters are: (1) "Introduction to the Instructional Design…

This book examines different theoretical perspectives on the role that interaction plays in second language acquisition. The principle perspectives are those provided by the Interaction Hypothesis, Socio-Cultural Theory, and the Levels of Processing Model. Interaction is defined broadly; it is seen as involving both intermental and intramental…

An instructional module designed to help prepare college-level teaching assistants (TAs) for their duties in second language instruction is presented. The module addresses issues in explicit second-language grammar instruction and the classroom presentation and use of grammar-related instructional materials. An introductory section outlines…

This document outlines Howard Community College's (HCC) six strategic initiatives and goals. Each of the strategic initiatives is presented, along with a context for the statement and a list of goals to be achieved in support of the overall initiative. First, HCC will be a learning community that provides possibilities for learning that address…

Education, as a rational business, has largely ignored children's fantasies. Rather than dismissing fantasy, as both traditional and progressive educators have, the educational task is to begin the process of linking to the real world those basic concepts which make fantasy so engaging and meaningful to children. (IS)

Examines changes in the broad cultural background which provide the context for thinking, and how such life-style changes may have influenced the decline of reasoning skills and styles fundamental to the sciences. Considers peasant/rural farming, new world, and postaffluent society life-styles and science education in the latter. (Author/SK)

To determine responsiveness to instruction, matched concrete operational seventh-grade (N=50) and college (N=72) students were given identical classroom instruction in probabilistic and correlational reasoning using biological concepts. Field dependence/independence and fluid intelligence were examined. Reasons why college students are more…

Examines the relationship between Howard Gardner's seven types of multiple intelligences and social studies instruction. Discusses the applications, the needs of the gifted and talented students, and specific ways to meet those needs. Recommends combining various multiple intelligences to make social studies instruction sufficiently challenging.…

Investigates for perceptual learning style preferences (auditory, visual, kinesthetic, and tactile) and preferences for group and individual leaning of Chinese, Filipino, Korean, and Vietnamese secondary education students. Comparison analysis reveals diverse learning style preferences between Anglo and Asian American students and also between…

Discusses problems with two common Web-browsing instructional activities and suggests ways that teachers can improve lessons to develop students' critical thinking skills. Focuses on search-and-print and Web page design activities. (AEF)

Examines the design features of interactive multimedia packages for second language learning. Focuses on the possible components of a design model and highlights the implications for program design. Concludes that to realize the high potential for interactive language learning multimedia, designers must develop a more learner-based orientation.…

The Navajo Nation wants a 2-year Navajo language requirement for regional colleges. At the same time, literacy in academic English is required for Navajo students wishing to enter the sciences, medicine, and law. The difficulties students face as they make the transition from English to Navajo and from Navajo to English are described. Four…

Describes two intuitive rules underlying students' conceptions in mathematics and science that are not always compatible with usually accepted scientific ideas. The intuitive rules are: "More of A, more of B" and "Subdivision processes can always be repeated." In teacher education, it is important to raise instructors'…