Presents a Multimedia Title Development Environment (MTDE), which integrates multimedia information, tools used to produce it, and their formats and storage media as objects in an Asset Repository for use by cooperative design teams. The system's architecture and data model are described; and examples are provided of MTDE use and steps in updating…

The case study investigated the special skills, attributes, and perspectives that an elementary-school media specialist brought to an instructional planning process while working with teaching teams. Teachers reported that the media specialist improved the quality of resources, enhanced cooperation and communication within and among teaching…

Students talented in science were offered an opportunity to use community research facilities and to conduct scientific research in an independent study course at Avon Grove High School in Kemblesville, Pennsylvania. The course involved peer collaboration, cooperative learning, the teacher as mentor, research papers, and oral presentations. (JDD)

Describes the commitment to total education in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, Missouri, indicating that the Catholic school principal, director of religious education, youth minister, and liturgist are all part of a collaborative team working with the pastor to achieve parish goals. Describes strategies undertaken as part of the change in…

Describes Kids Network, an educational network available from the National Geographic Society that allows students in grades four through six to become part of research teams that include students from around the world. Computer hardware requirements and a list of Kids Network research questions are listed in a sidebar. (JMV)

Key themes in the Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) approach to management are noted, and CQI principles are applied to academic advising in higher education, focusing on measurement, empowerment, teamwork, and advisee focus (META). For each principle, brief scenarios are presented along with suggested courses of action and possible outcomes.…

Describes how an eighth-grade teacher interested her students in reading and writing using cooperative learning and newspapers. During National Newspaper Week, students grouped into mixed ability clusters then completed weekly newspaper reading activities over the rest of the year. Team members agreed on role assignments and rotated…

Principals help teachers become more reflective practitioners by providing a supportive environment, using specific facilitative behaviors (asking questions, informally critiquing, and questioning program irregularities), and enabling program implementation. Principals create a supportive environment by encouraging justification of practice,…

Research and the lessons of practical experience suggest that successful interdisciplinary programs share a few key beliefs about teaching and learning. Important ingredients include time to plan, implement, and evaluate as a team; adequate resources; incentives for participants; talented and committed teachers; and patience and flexibility to…

Asks how technical writing teachers can better prepare students for careers. States that corporations want employees who can work together on teams, solve problems, and communicate. Explains that this requirement is due to the modern style of business which focuses on information and a horizontal management structure. States that writing should be…

Many school districts lack the resources to hire a full-time risk manager and often assign risk-management duties to a manager with other responsibilities. Offers steps that can help with risk-management procedures. Cooperation, communication, and, most important, the support of top management are critical for risk-management effectiveness. (MLF)

Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound helps teachers guide students through learning expeditions, where they explore topics through their own questions and self-designed investigations. Although some programs involve overnight trips, not all expeditions are wilderness adventures. Regardless of setting, children should experience challenge and…

Prospective charter schools in California must address educational design, outcomes, assessment methods, governance, staffing qualifications, health and safety procedures, racial balance, admission requirements, retirement benefits, employees' rights, financial audit procedures, expulsion and suspension procedures, and attendance alternatives.…

Simulations allow active student participation in learning. In assigned character roles, students experience real-life situations, using their knowledge and skill to experiment in new situations. Simulations promote advanced thinking and problem solving across subject areas. Teachers must be facilitator, organizers, and managers of learning…

Differences in educational practice and culture of a British distance university and Australian traditional university are the basis for analysis of curriculum development methods. It is proposed that, although generally individual faculty design new courses, there are good reasons (efficiency, cohesiveness, professional development, academic…