Describes an interdisciplinary project from the University of Costa Rica conducted to contribute to the improvement of science teaching in primary schools by adopting the Science Curriculum Improvement Study. Changes included the use of woods, rocks, shells, and rain water in science class and integration of science with other subjects. Student…

Advocates the use of Harlequin-style romance novels in a college psychology of women course. Asserts that students develop an understanding of the content and function of gender stereotypes from the books. Describes writing assignments and student evaluation and maintains that student reaction to the approach is positive. (CFR)

Describes a graduate research methods course in which students were taught electronic communications skills. Lists three course requirements involving electronic mail, subscriptions to electronic journals, and participation in electronic academic lists. Discusses six problems that emerged and the student evaluations. (CFR)

Describes reactions by college students to an antihomophobic classroom pedagogy. Asserts that homosexual and bisexual students need to see themselves represented in the classroom. Presents a 30-item selected bibliography addressing this issue. (CFR)

Examines how technology aids the interactional orientation of Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) by focusing on two major aspects of CLT that promote interaction: (1) the realistic use of language and (2) a learner-centered emphasis. A balanced use of technology is emphasized in order not to overwhelm the language program. (56 references) (CK)

Describes the various steps taken to organize and implement a five-week French summer institute for secondary teachers of French, involving a three-week stay in France. The article details program objectives, course content, administration of the Institute, budget considerations, participants' progress, the evaluation process, and the…

Maintains that ethics is behavior as judged according to some understood standard. Recommends the use of "occasional" ethics, an informal but reflective approach that can be used in many course designs. Illustrates the concept with examples from the author's instruction in humanities courses. (CFR)

Reports on a study of memorable elementary school, social studies activities experienced by college students. Finds that the responses reflected the influence of the expanding communities curriculum when viewed across grade levels. Argues that experiential and higher order thinking activities were remembered most favorably. (CFR)

Reports the results of a two-year longitudinal study that examined the development of primary teachers' understanding of force and energy following inservice education. The approach used constructivist strategies and analogical reasoning to promote qualitative learning of science concepts. Interviews, questionnaires, and drawing tasks indicated…

Design and implementation of supplemental instruction (SI), a combination of content review and training in study strategies for students in high-risk courses, are discussed. The context here is college-level mathematics instruction. It is noted that SI in mathematics may require more structure than in some other content areas. (MSE)

Describes an effort to teach French to boys with emotional and behavioral difficulties. The teaching used was based on lexical chunks of language rather than grammatical structures in order to create motivation and maintain interest in the short time available each week. The students greeted the lessons with enthusiasm and grew in self-esteem and…

This article proposes a new approach to teaching English as a Second Language, based on five "uncommonsense" premises, among them encouraging genuine interchange with native speakers and teaching students how to learn and cope in an academic environment. (10 references) (KM)

Describes two cross-cultural composition courses offered at Valencia Community College using international readers and foreign films to help students gain insight on non-American cultures while learning about their own culture. Offers examples of reading and film worksheets, and discusses textbooks and assignments (e.g., student journals and…

Discusses students' awareness of science/technology/society (STS) issues, the importance students assign to STS issues, and students' achievement in a genetics unit after infusing STS vignettes into class discussions. Recommendations are made on the use of STS vignettes by science teachers. (KR)

Describes three methods of active learning for an undergraduate history class: (1) debates over differing historical interpretations; (2) demonstrations of change and continuity between past and present in an historical issue; and (3) simulations of real or imaginary events. Includes instructions, evaluation information, and a course description.…