This innovative session used two "key moments" to interpret an action research case study of the ongoing reorganization of the Belgian Tax Ministry. Both the research and the session used a social constructivist framework. The reorganization consisted of these phases: contracting, exploratory, in-depth, advisory, implementation of the…

For over 30 years, Foxfire has been developing an approach to learning that is learner-centered and community-focused. Foxfire's initial success resulted from a successful student-produced magazine in a rural Georgia high school. Attempts to duplicate this success often overlooked the key ingredients, student choice and academic integrity, that…

This document profiles ten higher education institutions across the United States, documenting their roles as "engaged institutions," that is, institutions whose goal it is to produce graduates ready to move along a path of self-directed learning and growth. They are "interactive institutions" that have developed partnerships with civic, business,…

From its beginnings in 1906, cooperative education has evolved into a program offered at the secondary and postsecondary levels in two predominant models: (1) students complete multiple cycles of equal periods of academic coursework and paid employment; and (2) students' school day is split between school (usually in the morning) and work (usually…

Summarizes the main points from the largest international study of innovations in the fields of science, mathematics, and technology education ever undertaken. Particularly emphasizes the changing relationships between teacher and learner and the increased value given to practical work and experiential learning. Discusses the implications for…

Describes an undergraduate sociology project in which students conducted research at working class and upper-middle class shopping malls. The research focused on social stratification and its manifestation in architectural character, spatial relationships, advertising, and consumer behavior. Includes an appendix that reproduces the fieldwork…

Comparison of a culturally-sensitive activity-based outdoor science curriculum with a traditional textbook and classroom approach found that fourth-grade American Indian students in the activity-based group had significantly higher science achievement scores than those in the control group. There were no significant differences between Indian and…

Praises self-directed English field research projects for being intellectually challenging, highly motivating, and demonstrating a wide range of skills. Recently, however, these projects have resulted in a number of problems including allocation of resources and safety liability. Suggests possible solutions and examines a model field research…

Describes the development of the Academy of Communications and Multimedia Technology--a school-to-work program integrating English, social studies, and mathematics with multimedia, art, and television production--at Mainland High School in Daytona Beach, Florida. Discusses the program's goals, student recruitment, roles of business partners (such…

Presents learning activities and resources for teaching senior level criminal law courses. Topics covered include arrest, search and seizure, bail, trial procedures, sentencing, and prisons. Objective is to encourage students to address societal issues. (LS)

Contends that many students enter sociology with an exaggerated belief in their own uniqueness. Presents a description of a course activity in which students see how social forces affect their choices and chances, thereby seeing the sociological perspective on social problems. (CFR)

Discusses the importance of architecture in Thomas Jefferson's life. Presents a lesson plan based on Jefferson's Monticello and designed to encourage students to identify and understand elements of classical architecture in their local area. Includes a photograph of Monticello and six architectural illustrations. (CFR)

Contends that oral history is a way to involve students in thinking about and understanding history and the contemporary world. Includes a family history chart, recommendations for creating an oral history questionnaire, sample interview questions, and four student oral history writing models. (CFR)

Discusses the Close Up Foundation's sponsorship of social studies students' trips to Washington, D.C. Describes one school's experience of planning and financing the trip, as well as its public forums and club for students to gain experience in politics and citizenship. Reports a study of Close Up participants, their political attitude…

Recommends providing fifth and sixth grade students in social studies classes with an understanding of how people lived in a specific era through original experiences. Outlines two lesson plans for studying ancient Egypt, giving students hands-on experiences. Finds lessons appropriate for special education students and those with limited English…