The development of earth and gravity concepts among 250 schoolchildren ages 8, 10 and 12 from two regions of Nepal was investigated. The children studied five nations located in different parts of the world. (HM)

The Personalized System of Instruction, known as the Keller Plan, is compared with the mastery learning approach. Learning concepts of both are discussed, as well as differences, difficulties, and effectiveness of each method. (SA)

Reconceptualizes a cultural perspective for science education that offers an account of life in a science classroom by characterizing students' experiences as crossing borders between subcultures. Contains 160 references. (DDR)

Argues that the quest to know God evokes fear. Explores the fear of knowing God (which includes the fear of questioning dominant metaphors of God) and the fear of knowing ourselves. Proposes an approach to education that inspires and encourages people to seek to know and respond to God. (MJP)

Presents the results of a study that measured the efficacy of an international economics simulation among undergraduates. The simulation consisted of a macroeconomics game where students develop economic policies for four hypothetical countries. A multiple choice test and posttest questionnaire suggests that classroom games are more effective than…

Defines contextual learning, or presenting new information to students in familiar contexts. Argues that community colleges must be ready for an anticipated increase in contextual learners due to its use in tech prep programs. Describes elements of contextual learning, its application in the classroom, and ways that colleges can prepare for…

Discusses the principles of teaching that can help students to be actively, purposefully engaged in their learning. Describes current innovations in reading, language arts, and mathematics education. Introduces the constructivist principles and teaching practices that can facilitate implementation of current instruction innovations. (MOK)

A collaboration between Outward Bound and Northeastern University allows a diverse group of 6-10 college students to participate in a community service learning project. Describes how the collaboration emphasizes "connected knowing," (the collective construction of knowledge) and reflective inquiry to increase the relevance of the…

Provides an overview to the "Handbook of Research on Social Studies Teaching and Learning," a project sponsored by the National Council for the Social Studies. Identifies the handbook's organization and major topics. Argues this comprehensive review and analysis of social studies educational research promotes improved research, assists…

Examines role of play and experiential learning in early childhood education. Summarizes educational experiments and research projects on outdoor experiential play for enhancing adventuresomeness, self challenge, cognitive development, and socialization of young children. Suggests need for traditional and experiential educators to develop…

Reports on the assessment of student thinking in the area of commitment to the laws of conservation of matter and energy during a study of conceptual change among introductory chemistry students. States four conditions upon which strategies for conceptual change are based. (RT)

A theory is proposed for how students develop competence with the written symbols of decimal fractions. Competence is viewed as the cumulative and sequential mastery of four separate cognitive processes. The theory was tested with small groups of students, most of whom were able to acquire the first two processes. (MNS)

The new Ursuline College (Ohio) core curriculum is based on controversial theories about unique ways in which women learn. In freshman seminars, students are encouraged to discover personal truths by drawing connections between the liberal arts and their own lives. (MSE)

Argues that treatments of the concept of interaction in distance education based on Moore's (1989) discussion of interaction are inadequate and presents a concept of learner-interface interaction. Instructional design strategies that will facilitate students' acquisition of the skills needed to participate effectively in the electronic classroom…

Asserts that the arts, including art, music, dance, and theater, often are ignored or shortchanged in the school curriculum. Discusses how language education has assumed a central place in the school curriculum and whether art education can use curriculum integration to achieve the same status. (CFR)