For too many graduates, the American high school diploma signifies only a broken promise. While students and their parents may still believe that the diploma reflects adequate preparation for the intellectual demands of college or work, employers and postsecondary institutions know that it often serves as little more than a certificate of…

Progressive format or sequencing of strategies in the conversation class is proposed as a solution to the problems of conversation grouping for foreign students. Structures and formats and sample activities are outlined for the six activity categories or strategies: restructuring, one-centered, unified group, dyad, small group, and large group.…

Examined effects of teaching method (self-directed, group-directed, teacher-directed), academic ability, student assessment of treatment, and allowed time on achievement in three Individualized Science Instructional System (ISIS) biology minicourses. Results, among others, indicated that individualized instruction favored high-ability students and…

Presents edited versions of plaintiff and defendant outlines of legal issues and proof (views of cases set to limit issues argued during trials) and trial briefs (comprehensive presentations of legal precedents and arguments) in McLean v. Arkansas Board of Education case focusing on balanced treatment of creationism/evolution in public schools.…

Describes the preparation of a bibliographic guide focusing on the research dealing with the cultural context of science and mathematics education. (DS)

The simultaneous effects of two instructional variables of degree of teacher direction (student- versus teacher-directed) and time allowed for study and the student variable of general ability are described for student achievement (N=912) in three life-science instructional modules. (Author)

The Learning Environment Inventory (LEI) was administered to tenth-grade biology classes (N=572) in urban and kibbutz district schools in Israel. Findings indicated that seven out of nine scales of the LEI yield significant differences in scores for urban and kibbutz samples indicating a more positive learning climate in the kibbutz. (Author/DS)

A new method and curriculum for teaching Canadian history to non-English-speaking secondary school students is suggested. Eight chronological units of Canadian history provide the basic structure from which themes and concepts are developed. Techniques for implementing the curriculum incorporating language study are suggested. (PMJ)

Describes difficulties encountered by an Intensive English Language Program staff and students in negotiating the transition from a predominantly structure-based syllabus to a communication-based one. Explains how the new syllabus compromises between the two approaches, gradually increasing emphasis on communicative activities as proficiency…

Describes a rural outreach program to provide continuing education in nursing practice to all levels of nursing personnel in rural hospitals. Covers difficulties in planning and implementing the programs and the steps taken to explain the program philosophy and gain the trust of hospital adminstration and staff. (MF)

Discusses the use of two-way amateur radio contacts in language courses to provide personal contact with speakers of the target language. Pilot courses in German and Spanish are described as well as a curriculum-based, interuniversity German conversation course, and an activity utilizing CB radio equipment. (AMH)

A five-year longitudinal investigation was undertaken to identify factors influencing secondary school students in their choice of sixth-form courses and possible careers. The influence of intelligence, personality, aspirations, and family were studied. (Author/BW)

Analysis of direct costs to teach a 10-week Introduction to Clinical Medicine course to 26 students in the spring of 1995 found that attending physicians worked a total of 736.5 hours, for a cost of $37,303; residents worked 314 hours, at a cost of $4,396; and miscellaneous costs totaled $2,019. The per-student cost was $1,681. (Author/MSE)

Analyzes data from interviews with teachers in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) classrooms regarding the political and cultural aspects of teaching English as a Second Language. Findings indicate that teachers perceive language policy in ways determined by the local situations in which they teach and that there are differences…

Four French classroom activities are described, including an introductory exercise in French for special purposes (business administration), a cultural exploration activity using a commercial audiotape, holiday card-writing, and an exercise in interpreting an art or other exhibition. (MSE)