Describes one assignment particularly effective not only in illustrating some of the principles of schema theory but also in the preparation of prospective teachers. The assignment is to plan and carry out an experience students have never had before. (HOD)

Describes the development of a domain-referenced system intended to both describe and classify current writing assignments and to create composition assignments. (HOD)

Reviews eight reading-across-the-curriculum textbooks, showing that four treat academic discourse only in its generic form, while four go beyond that level to look at the audience, purpose, and genre specific to particular disciplines. (RBW)

A mountain of paperwork can be pared to a molehill when teachers concentrate on diagnostic and testing techniques that minimize written responses. This article explains how to evaluate students in ways that emphasize oral responses, hand signals, and student grading of papers. (PP)

The results of an initial study of the relationship between grades and number of words written on assignments at the Open University are reported. Analysis shows that higher grades are awarded students with longer answers, and suggestions for standardization are made. (LBH)

This study explored how preservice teachers perceived and utilized the Online Learning Support System designed and developed to provide a platform for presenting utilities like content, news, and course assignments, and facilitating communication among students and instructor. In this research, a qualitative method was used. The data was obtained…

In England, secondary school history teacher education courses last around thirty-six weeks and consists of both university and school-based studies at the university of Birmingham. Throughout the 36 weeks, student teachers are required to be involved in a variety of different activities one of which is preparing assignments concerning the…

The most used model for empirical research on the writing process is based on cognitive psychology and does not take into account affective phenomena, although it has long been recognized that affect (that is, the noncognitive aspects of mental activity) plays a large role in writing and learning to write. To understand the complete picture, it is…

Developed by classroom teachers during the development phase of Minnesota's Graduation Standards, this performance package is made up of locally designed assignments that, taken together, show whether a student has learned and can apply the knowledge and skills related to creating and performing original artistic presentations. It begins with…

This paper presents a unique method of planning and designing a Web site for e-learning. The following phases are discussed: troubleshooting the project; initial overview of the entire project; dividing the project into small portions and assigning people to each of these portions; periodic studies of the entire project in light of the development…

Based on Rachel Carson's book "Silent Spring" and other conservation-related books, this lesson plan presents activities designed to help students understand that many conservationists have written books that have had a profound influence on the way people think about and treat the planet; such books can be powerful instruments for change; and…

Based on Joseph Conrad's novel "Heart of Darkness," this lesson plan presents activities designed to help students understand that critics have debated some of Conrad's choices in the novel; and that the novel reflects the world as Conrad saw it. The main activity of the lesson involves students rewriting the ending of the novel so that Marlow…

Based on Machiavelli's book "The Prince," this lesson plan presents activities designed to help students understand that Machiavelli's enumeration of leadership qualities for a prince has always been controversial; and that leaders and followers may differ in what they identify as the qualities of a good leader. The main activity of the lesson…

Based on Jane Austen's novel "Pride and Prejudice," this lesson plan presents activities designed to help students understand that classics are those pieces of literature that continue to be popular long after they were written; classics tend to have universal themes; and Austen's writing has been updated and dramatized and, most likely, will…

It is clear that more courses are being offered online each year. With the increase in the number of courses offered, the number of faculty teaching at a distance will also be increasing. Many researchers are discussing concerns that faculty have about online courses, such as incentives, training, technical support, workload, and intellectual…