Discusses a problem in which students are asked to determine a way of cutting the corners off different denominations of paper currency enabling visually impaired individuals to distinguish between the bills with the condition that further cuts will not increase the value of the bills. Reconstructs a solution from classroom experiences. (MDH)

Describes an interactive problem-solving videodisc program designed for the middle schools. Explains the interdisciplinary nature of the program that includes information from astronomy, geology, history, and meteorology. Contends that the product is an excellent example of well-designed educational software. (CFR)

Presents personal accounts of one teacher's efforts to change her teaching to the teaching standards proposed by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Makes four suggestions to help mathematics teachers overcome the difficulties of changing their teaching style. (MDH)

Presents four stoichiometric problems and their solutions that use spot metal prices quoted from the newspaper to integrate economics and chemistry. (MDH)

Reports on a study of peer teaching through small group instruction in a college level psychology program. Describes how upper level undergraduate students designed, implemented, and evaluated projects to teach psychology to introductory students. Finds that both the introductory and advanced students enjoyed the experience and recommended that…

Describes the production of operas in a second-grade classroom. Explains how the project requires an interdisciplinary approach to learning. Contends that elementary, secondary, and even higher education students would benefit from this activity. (CFR)

If schools became true communities of learners they could spread community throughout alienated urban areas. Some major themes defining cooperative community are explored. Stages that schools should go through in building community are detailed. Providing outreach to other potential communities is a later step in the process. (SLD)

A single-sex group learning project involving 100 seventh graders yielded positive results. Behavior improved without teacher intervention, particularly among the boys. Also, students' attitudes and motivation improved immensely, along with work habits and academic performance. Students reported that they enjoyed working and competing in teams.…

Discussion of computer-based second-language learning focuses on a study of elementary school students in grades four through six who used a contextualized computer environment that was designed to provide precommunicative practice with Spanish. Highlights include student roles in small groups, cooperative learning, and the teacher's role.…

The positive and negative elements of six educational reforms are discussed: search for excellence; cooperative learning; middle schools; master teacher certification; site-based management; and accountability. Gifted educators are urged to promote these reform movements for the maximum benefit of all. (Author/JDD)

In 2 studies, 36 junior high students and 66 intermediate-level students with mild disabilities worked together to complete computerized instructional activities on capitalization and punctuation. The intervention produced significant increases in behaviors that were positively related with learning but did not produce significant increases in…

Authoritarian and democratic teaching styles are contrasted by comparing how a college faculty facilitator using each style would approach standard teaching assignments of interaction, policy, task development, feedback, and evaluation. Democratic style is seen as producing greater student satisfaction, collaborative learning as the logical…

Discussion of how to integrate computers into the classroom focuses on seven principles of instruction: (1) mastery learning; (2) overlearning and automaticity; (3) cooperative learning; (4) monitoring student progress; (5) immediate feedback; (6) learning styles; and (7) classroom management. Guidelines for using computers to support the…

Presents classroom lessons based on four self-portraits found in the Art Institute of Chicago. Provides background information, discussion questions, and activities for each portrait. Includes full-page color reproductions of the paintings. (CFR)

Describes the use of a Geographic Information System (GIS) as the foundation for a college-level geography course. Asserts that students develop creative and problem-solving skills as they develop databases of information. Concludes that the activity produced practical products that were used subsequently by local officials and citizens. (CFR)