Describes two World-Wide-Web-based products designed to make the Web more interactive and accessible to less technically inclined language professionals for course development. The eWeb is a set of functions that support large-group and individual synchronous/asynchronous communication and material development. HomePage Maker allows interlinking…

A study examining 14 introductory textbooks in exceptionalities, published between 1992 and 1995, found that the cultural diversity topics discussed most consistently included bilingual issues, identification and assessment issues, overrepresentation in special education, underrepresentation in gifted programs, and the relationship of culture to…

Examines the efficacy beliefs preservice teachers bring to methods courses in science and mathematics and the changes in their beliefs as a result of the enriched experiences of methods courses. Contains 22 references. (DDR)

Presents overviews of two programs developed in the spirit of the National Science Education Standards. BSCS Biology: A Human Approach is an inquiry-based, activity-driven biology program developed by the Biological Science Curriculum Study (BSCS). Insights in Biology, developed by the Education Development Center (EDC), is a modular program that…

A study of 16 language-teacher trainees found distinct differences between perceived and actual language proficiency. During the foreign-language-teaching methodology course, candidates developed greater realism about their own abilities and need for further language development. The investigation illustrates how motivations change over time for…

Describes the creation and implementation of voluntary standards and benchmarks for the teaching and learning of economics at the precollege level. The standards, established by the National Council on Economic Education in 1997, outline fundamental economic concepts to be taught at each grade level. Includes copies of the standards. (MJP)

Describes the development of a model Web-based distance-learning graduate course in Engineering Management at Drexel University (Pennsylvania). Highlights include a new pedagogical model; vendor selection; knowledge engineering; time commitment; development management; copyright issues; and costs. (LRW)

Describes distance learning at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). The system uses a hybrid model involving face-to-face, mediated, synchronous, and asynchronous communication at on- and off-campus sites to create flexible and adaptable patterns. Asserts that the hybrid model offers advantages over a single mode, since…

Discusses online teaching and how it compares to traditional face to face teaching. Topics include designing Web-based classes; the faculty perspective, including determining learning outcomes, time commitment, accountability, and library resources; and the student perspective, including expectations of faculty, time commitment, and technical…

Provides six fully developed library media activities that are designed for use with specific curriculum units in reading, language arts, science, and social studies. Library media skills, curriculum objectives, grade levels, resources, instructional roles, procedures, evaluation, and follow-up are described for each activity. (LRW)

A British master's program in education using distance learning and independent study for candidates employed in schools overseas was evaluated using an instrument designed to measure participant satisfaction with instructional modules. Results suggest that the instrument is useful not only in determining satisfaction levels but also in evaluating…

Presents a "Learning Process on Lay-offs" program designed to focus English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) teachers' energies on developing and managing a learning process that allows them to respond, on an on-going basis, to their learners' needs appropriately and creatively, especially with regard to the changing work world. (one…

Discusses the problems and benefits of implementing portfolio evaluation in a preservice teacher social studies methods course. Maintains that adopting portfolio assessment opens the way for students to construct alternative conceptions of teaching. Includes criteria for the development and evaluation of students' portfolios. (MJP)

This paper presents an autobiographical account of a course, Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in the Elementary Classroom, with stories told by students in the class and by men from the film, "The Color of Fear." The paper focuses on how to use narrative to understand cultural diversity. (SM)

A highly individualized admissions process allows Essex Community College (Maryland) to identify talented and motivated students whose prior academic work might make them ineligible for honors at other institutions. The curriculum is designed around innovative honors sections of regular courses that challenge students intellectually and help…