The relationship among beliefs based on personal history that preservice teachers bring to their study of teaching and principles of reading, writing, and discussing to learn advocated by one professor was studied for nine college students. Personal histories of preservice teachers function as prior knowledge of good teaching. (SLD)

Describes a course in educational informatics for preservice teachers and students in educational software development that emphasizes the use of LOGO, and summarizes course modules that cover tools and methods for teaching informatics, informatics curriculum design, introducing the basic notions of informatics, integrating informatics into the…

Argues that multiple-choice tests, if correctly constructed, are still effective assessment tools. Focuses on constructing multiple-choice questions that address course content objectives but also require higher order thinking. Lists and defines concepts and curriculum objectives. Includes standard and database multiple-choice questions that offer…

Implementation of the Human Development and Family Life Course for adolescent and young adult students with moderate mental retardation is described. The program includes teacher training and parent involvement, a focus on building trust and self-esteem, connection to a network of support, a counseling approach, weekly meetings, and repetition.…

Underscores the importance of classroom climate and innovative teaching methods in creating a fertile environment for the teaching of critical thinking. Argues that critical thinking requires active learning. Briefly describes strategies such as five-minute "writes," panel presentations, discipline worksheets, and assignment interviews as ways of…

A program for teaching the concepts of electric energy, voltage, and current is proposed. The ideas and concepts are introduced in a sequence that places more emphasis on some aspects that are normally treated very briefly. A phenomenological orientation, qualitative and quantitative micro- and macroscopic treatments, and the inclusion of the…

The development and responsibilities of the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) are discussed. Ways in which teachers can use the OTA, especially as a starting point for issues-oriented design work are suggested. Examples of publications from OTA are described. (KR)

In an extension of research on the Marsh/Shavelson model of self-concept, a set of 14 academic self-concept scales was related to school performance in 8 subjects for 507 Australian high school boys. Findings indicate that components of academic self-concept are more differentiated and content-specific than assumed. (SLD)

Review of the use of preclinical curricular time for laboratory exercises at the Case Western Reserve University (Ohio) medical school 1955-89 found a 92 percent decrease in hours devoted to animal and human physiology. Advantages of inclusion of such exercises are seen to outweigh disadvantages, and efforts to revitalize them are recommended.…

Provides brief arguments for and against the use of animals in research and education. A survey was conducted of 200 students to seek answers to the following questions: How do students feel about the dissection of animals in life science classes?; and Do students feel they would learn as much biology without laboratory animal investigations?…

Argues that a complete and accurate understanding of constitutional history and constitutional law requires the study of state constitutions. Maintains that state constitutions contain a coherent political theory that is, in important respects, at variance with the concept of federalism. (CFR)

The Board of Governors of the University of Colorado at Boulder has turned down the promotion of an associate professor of English who specializes in study of erotic literature and obscenity. Critics call the ruling a breech of both academic freedom and faculty governance. (MSE)

Issues and problems encountered in teaching a university faculty development course are discussed. The course focused on sustained reflection and classroom research as a means for improving instruction. Issues include the challenge of addressing each teacher's needs and transforming course learning and shared experience into better classroom…

Many assert that the use of animals for dissections in the secondary and undergraduate class is unnecessary. This article describes a study conducted to compare the attitudes and achievement of students who use interactive methods instead of conventional dissection. (ZWH)

Discusses the training skills, course content, and methodology needed to create a good business writing program for a company. (SR)