Presents pedagogical and physical criteria for selecting manipulative materials. Pedagogical criteria include clear representation of mathematical ideas, appropriateness for students' developmental level, interest, and versatility. Physical criteria include durability, simplicity, attractiveness, manageability and ease of storage, and reasonable…

The selection processes of media specialists are discussed with emphasis on developing critical skills in children to evaluate and select materials. (KP)

This guide is intended for teachers and other educators confronting the challenge of using technology to enhance the way they teach science. Accompanying the recent boom in education Web sites has been the production of guides and guidelines, models, and methodologies for planning technology reforms in school districts, school buildings, and…

Mathematics education has undergone many changes over the past few decades. Those changes are reflected in the curriculum materials that are currently available. This guide is intended to help the teachers, administrators, and parents of high ability mathematics students explore the materials on the market today. The guide gives a set of criteria…

Reports a Colorado study that found that students use television less than other people and that older students use both television and newspapers more and radio less than younger students. (TO)

Discusses some aspects in the operation of an astronomical club, involving sorts of clubs, leadership, club organization, meeting places and periods, methods of starting club activities, equipment, operations, materials available and their prices, and suggested budgets. (CC)

Guides for a systematic scientific approach to the appraisal of instructional materials. A related article is EA 503 988. (Author/MF)

This article deals with the selection process of social studies curriculum materials, introducing readers to the major ideas contained in the NCSS's Social Studies Curriculum Guidelines and SSEC's Curriculum Materials Analysis System. (SM)

The author describes the relationship between media, expression, and the arts and suggests what these relationships imply for educational practice, the arts and media research. (Author/AS)

A list of subjects and sources of pictures for a classroom "picture bank" is suggested. Tips are given for the use and conservation of pictures, and a classification scheme and ideas for language and civilization instruction are included. (MSE)

Several issues in the selection of instructional materials and methods for French foreign language instruction are discussed, focusing on the images of France and the French population to be projected. A definition of civilization, a method for analyzing French civilization, and teaching techniques are proposed. (MSE)

Discusses the type and scope of positive relationship existing between mediated instruction and learner attitudes, and documents successful situations that produce attitudinal outcomes. (JOW)

As computers become better suited for classroom use--in terms of both design and cost--two limitations stand in the way: (1) lack of educationally sound programs or software (called courseware in education); and (2) lack of a computer language that teachers can easily use to create or adapt courseware for their classrooms. (CJ)

Some ways of producing quality software for language instruction are discussed, including three kinds of systems: authoring or template, freeform, and hybrid. Special features and possible advantages and disadvantages of each type are considered. (Author/MSE)

Many unexplored possibilities remain for comprehensive and systematic use of popular song in the foreign language classroom. The song is both a pedagogical tool (for listening comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, conversation, composition, culture, and history) and a subject for literary study. (Author/MSE)