Instructional materials presented in this teaching guide, one of five developed as part of the vocational strategies project, are intended to provide vocational services to mildly handicapped special needs students mainstreamed into regular schools at the middle school level. The skill development described is based on the belief that preparation…

To offer students biological field experiences, teachers should use their own basic skills, be enthusiastic motivators, participate in community programs/courses/workshops to acquire additional skills/knowledge for outdoor biological education, plan outdoor excursions with safety considerations in mind, and use available resources for classroom…

The main purpose of this paper is to explore and discuss the main characteristics of project-based online learning (PBOL) for a graduate enchased Web-based course, Designing and Developing Distance Education, to promote the critical learning skills of online learners to engage them in projects designed to be realistic, intriguing and relevant real…

This curriculum guide is designed to guide the teaching of a year-long junior- or senior-level high school course that will help students develop skills for managing their work life and family life as well as basic skills, critical thinking, cultural diversity, group interaction, teamwork, and use of technology. It includes a course blueprint, a…

This book is intended to provide special educators or teachers-in-training with realistic tools for effective collaborative working relationships. The text integrates practical exercises with discussion of relevant research. When used as part of an undergraduate or graduate course, the text offers self-assessment and environmental assessment…

Projects are in-depth studies of a topic undertaken by a class, a group, or an individual child. Projects are intended to strengthen children's dispositions to be interested, absorbed, and involved in in-depth observation, investigation, and representation of worthwhile phenomena in their own environments. This Catalog on the Project Approach, the…

Because of their small size, small/rural schools could implement many of the nontraditional instructional practices found in alternative schools, such as: small group instruction, individual study contracts, block scheduling arrangements, projects, community-based learning experiences, outdoor education, cross age tutoring, development of…

Details the educational objectives achieved by an 8th grade U.S. history class using a cooperative learning research model. Using the Group Investigation Model, the class learned to use text headings, subheads, and key words in their reading. They also became familiar with synthesizing information and linking key ideas. (MJP)

Describes a library-based assignment planned collaboratively between a history teacher and high school librarian that focused on the Internet and problem based learning (PBL). Highlights include the planning process; the California SCORE History-Social Science Web site; role playing; information literacy; student research and presentations; and…

Describes a high school U.S. history course where the students are completely responsible for instruction on the period from 1950-96. Small groups each take a decade from this period and prepare week-long presentations. The presentations cover economics, politics, foreign affairs, technology, sociocultural aspects, and other issues. (MJP)

Discusses the reactions to two empowering styles of teaching introduced into a newly developed interdisciplinary unit in geography and environmental sciences. Peer assessment was embraced more thoroughly than group work which was eventually accepted with some reservations. Includes charts illustrating student reactions to both innovations. (MJP)

Describes cooperative planning and projects with teachers, students, and the library media specialist at an elementary school to help update the library to meet current and future information needs. Highlights include flexible scheduling; resource sharing; classes in library skills; computer technology; and updating the collection to include…

Presents a role-playing activity based on political and legal issues surrounding a mutiny on a Spanish slave ship that landed on U.S. soil in 1839. Includes learning objectives, background information, and role descriptions. Suggests student writing assignments and further research projects. (CFR)

Discusses the 1996 National History Day program and theme: "Taking a Stand in History: Individuals, Groups, Movements." Presents a list of possible student projects. Includes a bibliography of recommended books. (CFR)

Describes a cooperative-learning program jointly developed by computer education and world history teachers in which secondary students create mock newspapers. Asserts that the project fulfilled cross-disciplinary objectives and encouraged critical thinking skills. Includes examples from the student-created newspapers. (CFR)