Proposes a teaching strategy to teach ecological concepts and terminology through the use of games and simulations. Includes examples from physiological ecology, population ecology, and ecosystem ecology. (Author/SOE)

Describes the design and implementation of an activity to teach electrocommunication in animals using scientific inquiry and engineering design to pose questions, seek answers, and develop solutions in understanding electrocommunication in electric fish; develop explanations of natural phenomena as a creative process; and help understand that…

Presents classroom science activities dealing with flotation, which may be presented at different levels of cognitive complexity. The activities involve observing various objects in carbonated soda and deal with concepts of weight, volume, and density. Describes a Cartesian Diver activity that allows further examination of the effects of…

Outlines a pair of projects used in introductory calculus that are inspired by techniques archaeologists use in the analysis of pottery. These real-world application problems appeal to students who are not necessarily interested in the standard application of calculus. (Author/DDR)

Educators must focus more on designing active learning and less on using the latest technology. As distance education technology develops, educational institutions face increasing costs and decreased budgets, greater diversity, increasing demands for continuing education, and competition from other institutions. Knowledge of instructional design…

Examines the impact of learning activities and college environments on learning. The GRE Verbal and Quantitative subtest scores for a national sample (N=2,281) of students were dependent variables. Student involvement in learning activities and environments that were most directly related to the learning outcomes enhanced learning. Studies of…

Discusses active learning and cooperative learning strategies and suggests how they may be applied to library instruction. Highlights include active learning versus the lecture mode; student involvement; retention of information; class time needed; planning required; and selecting a teaching technique based on objectives and student needs. (LRW)

Describes an action research study that investigated the changing roles of instructors and learners in a graduate course on technology integration for inservice teachers. Discusses results that showed that the course motivated students, fostered active and constructive learning, enhanced critical thinking skills, and increased student confidence…

Evaluates the use of the Internet by exploring seven principles of good practice in undergraduate education: (1) student-faculty contact; (2) cooperation among students; (3) active learning; (4) prompt feedback; (5) time on task; (6) high expectations; and (7) respects diverse talent and learning styles. Includes results from a student survey.…

A project to help teachers use technology to enhance learning is tied to the Lewis and Clark Expedition bicentennial, to bring a sense of adventure to learning. Four examples of projects along the Montana section of the expedition's trail show how outdoor, experiential learning is enhanced by the use of global positioning systems, digital cameras,…

Investigated learning styles and students' perceptions of the helpfulness of Internet-based methods of instruction among students enrolled in Internet-based courses at four Nevada community colleges. Discusses reflective learners, active learners, global learners, and sequential learners, and suggests further research needs. (Author/LRW)

Focuses on an undergraduate course, "Outside Politics: How Minorities Play the Political Game". Describes how to create a foundation for active and collaborative learning and to promote critical thinking, discussion, and writing through reading assignments. Discusses the use of debates and role playing, autobiographies and videos, and…

Presents lessons for fourth-grade students in which they create outlines, a measured space that matches with the dimensions of a thing or place from the past. Uses kinesthetics for topics, such as: setting sail for Jamestown (Virginian) in 1606, building a log cabin in 1816, and homesteading in 1830. (CMK)

Discussion of constructivist learning environments and the instructor's role focuses on interaction in electronic learning (elearning) environments. Highlights include learning-centered environments; situated learning; pre-learning activities; active learning; interactive learning; interaction with content, peers, and instructor; feedback and…

Describes the Internet component of an undergraduate course at St. Xavier University (Illinois) in which a librarian helps mass communications students survey state-of-the-art technologies and predict future possibilities. Active learning techniques are discussed and examples of class exercises and the final assignment are included. (Author/LRW)