Describes a project for fifth-grade students in which each student makes a very personalized creation. (Author/RK)

Students at Williamson Junior/Senior High School in Tioga, Pennsylvania, take microphone in hand to interview parents and neighbors about their jobs. A sample interview is included in this article. (HD)

Describes a high school physics course taught by independent study during one-half of the class time. Discusses the use of student projects, minicourses, term papers, and do-it-yourself field trips. (MLH)

Through the study of agricultural mechanics or farm shop, students are able to discover their mechanical aptitudes and also develop a sense of satisfaction that comes with the experience of personal accomplishments at the Victoria-Stroman High School. Adults are encouraged to participate in the Specialist Program which is sponsored by the…

In this project, students are forced to think about themselves, how they feel, how they fit in their world, where they're going. After striking a pose, a student's contour is then drawn by a partner. Students have the option of filling up the entire body or only the background with college materials. (Author/RK)

A conservation instructor describes the educational values (for conservation students in a vocational center) of being involved in the construction of community day camp sites. (JT)

At a Catholic secondary school in Australia, all students, from academically gifted to learning-disabled, complete two or three independent projects each year in addition to satisfying state syllabus requirements. The Brain-Flex program challenges students to stretch themselves beyond standardized instructional methods and dominant capabilities.…

Describes the creation of a community-service option for biology nonmajors as part of the course requirements. The student had to relate the project to some aspect of biology. The goal was to teach students that learning science is an everyday occurrence, and that they can make a difference in their community. Program instructions and student…

Describes, in "Videotapes Can Provide a Bridge to Language Development and Literacy," how quality videotapes can help develop students' language skills in elementary classrooms. Describes, in "Contracting for Success," how a written contract can help students work together in group projects. Gives a sample contract. (PA)

Describes the author's experiences teaching interdisciplinary English in three different configurations: one-woman English/social studies integration; one-woman English/mathematics integration; and two-women English/math/social studies integration. Discusses activities, successes, and failures of each, and shows how all three contribute to her…

Describes a project for professional writing classes that teaches effective persuasive writing, as teams of students research local nonprofit or campus service organizations, design projects to address their groups' main needs, and write solicitation letters for donations or volunteers. Discusses potential problems and how students benefit. (SR)

Describes an eighth-grade unit on World War II, in which students work in groups to create a research/presentation project. Discusses making the subject manageable, group responsibilities, evaluation of group presentations, steps leading to the lesson, results, and going beyond the subject. Offers an 87-item list of books and a 39-item list of…

Presents cooperative classroom projects using science as the initial basis for the study of bears. These projects may also involve other areas of the curriculum such as mathematics, art, and music. "Black Bear" activities include following a park ranger to study our National Parks and researching and building a full-sized brown bear…

The recognition that knowledge, competence, and contribution are stages on a continuum has major implications for assessment methods. Written examinations are thought convenient and cost effective, but if students are to be evaluated as future employees, assignments and examinations should have professional relevance. Students can be best…

Examination of the effects of difficulty level of academic tasks on the behavior of 2 subjects (ages 9 and 12) with severe behavior disorders found that difficult tasks were generally associated with lower percentages of time-on-task and higher percentages of time engaged in disruptive behavior than were easy task conditions. (Author/DB)