These essays address education for citizenship at a specific, concrete level. The collection offers examples of efforts to create among students a new set of what Alexis de Tocqueville called "mores" or culturally defining "habits of the heart" that enhance citizenship, foster a sense of connectedness to a community, and…

The Internet enables teachers to enhance the teaching and learning of history through quick and extensive access to primary sources. Introducing and using primary sources in the history classroom will almost certainly lead to active learning and development of critical thinking, reasoning, and problem solving. This Digest discusses: (1) types and…

This volume is a synthesis of interviews conducted with 48 teachers who are infusing their large classes (over 100 students) with small-group activities or are working explicitly to create student communities within large classes. The chapters are: chapter 1, "The Argument for Making Large Classes Seem Small" (James L. Cooper and Pamela…

This study attempted to determine which teaching method, mainly manipulatives or the standard curriculum, best allowed the students to learn first grade math concepts. The manipulatives consisted of objects such as unifix cubes, personal chalkboards, work mats, and various other articles, which allowed the students to see the math that they were…

Describes an active learning strategy used in a college ethics course to direct students into exploring multiple perspectives in case studies. The technique expands on collaborative learning methods by adding role-playing and reflective writing. The technique has been successful in a journalism ethics course and is adaptable to any field in which…

Provides a conceptual framework for introducing active learning into the classroom as a tool for assessment. Notes that formative assessment can be a powerful tool for transforming a passive classroom into one filled with active participants. Discusses what is assessed, what are the criteria, who will assess, and how the object of assessment will…

Argues that active learning strategies and child-centered curriculum, commonly used in primary grades, are also particularly effective in the intermediate elementary grades. (SR)

States that individualistic orientation of most U.S. college students presents a persistent problem for teaching sociology. Provides an empirical evaluation using an active-learning exercise. Focuses on whether mate selection increases student understanding of social structure's impact on marital choice. Indicates that the exercise participants…

This study addresses finding the best means of introducing community college freshmen to the library and the skills and concepts of information literacy. Compares results of a traditional librarian-led orientation tour with those of a self-guided treasure hunt. Results indicate an educational advantage in the self-guided tour, supporting active…

Describes a collaborative learning instrument involving active learning that can be used to teach entrepreneurship at the university level in Central and Eastern Europe. (EV)

Describes research using observation and interviews to collect information on the aesthetic experience of learning in an experimental multidisciplinary program for first-year undergraduate students. Finds three areas that shaped the aesthetic sensibility of the classroom: active learning, classroom control, and ambiguity in class structure and…

Argues that doing and learning science are not the same thing. Suggests strategies involving active learning of a nonpractical nature which encourage discussion of science by children working in small groups. Presents examples of less familiar practical alternatives. (JRH)

Suggests becoming a master player is a critical learning task for young children. "Push-down" programs (direct teaching, work sheets, and drill), designed to give children a head start in school, fail to consider the active-learning mode in which young children are most competent. Notes that a developmentally appropriate classroom for 3- to 5-year…

Reports on a classroom instruction project in a community college anatomy and physiology course designed to focus less on rote memorization and more on active learning. Discusses the students, procedures, evaluation of student learning, student reactions, and student outcomes. Concludes that most students felt positive about their experiences with…

This article discusses the curriculum of an ethics course for marriage and family counseling students, focusing on (a) course objectives and course schedule, (b) active learning techniques in the classroom, (c) homework assignments (including the use of technology), and (d) midterm and final exams. The use of active teaching techniques is…