At Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (NY), some introductory science and engineering classes are taught in "studios," where students work on problems on computers, followed by a mini-lecture or summary and class discussion. The method replaces impersonal large-group lectures with less expensive, more effective instruction and more…

A discussion of teaching assistants (TAs) in the law school looks at the TA's cognitive and affective roles and effective ways to use TAs to reinforce usual forms of learning in the large class; introduce a broadened range of materials, skills, and learning methods; and transform the large class experience. (MSE)

Examined the practices and experiences of three elementary-level physical education teachers as they attempted to provide quality learning experiences to large classes of students. Data from lesson observations and interviews indicated that while the teachers provided high quality instruction, they were working under considerable hardship and had…

Describes a simulation exercise designed to illustrate the influence of founder effects, genetic drift, and gene flow. Also presents strategies for using cooperative learning in large lecture settings. (WRM)

Defines the concept of large classes with particular reference to the teaching of English for specific purposes at the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, in Nigeria. Examines the problems of large classes faced by language teachers in the university and adoption of the team-teaching approach as a means of overcoming their problems. (Author/VWL)

Examines arguments for "focus on form," a term referring to the incorporation of implicit grammar instruction within communicative English-as-a-Second-Language lessons, and suggests ways to adapt this approach to English-as-a-foreign-language settings where grammar instruction has never left the classroom. Several types of form-focused activities…

Discusses the main dimensions of effective teaching as identified in research, as well as particular teaching strategies that are effective but rarely used in law school classes. These strategies include increasing clarity, increasing course and lesson organization, maintaining students' attention and concentration, and promoting a positive…

Investigates the differences in academic achievement and performance for two groups of at-risk students in large and small group instructional settings when activity-based informal collaboration is applied as a teaching method. Includes 40 references. (YDS)

UK national initiatives in education, such as the National Literacy and Numeracy Strategies, have been implemented to improve learning and raise standards. These initiatives place considerable significance on whole class interactive teaching, and political rhetoric makes great play of this pedagogic strategy. Teachers have been encouraged to use…

Paul Lehrman mentioned in Mix Magazine that school music programs, which traditionally have given students the precious opportunity to hear what real instruments sound like from both player's and listener's perspective, are in the toilet. Some within the profession have voiced similar concerns. K-12 music teachers have historically have had very…

This article presents strategies that promote responsive instruction of young children with diverse abilities during teacher-directed large group times, specifically "circle time." It uses a traditional circle time format to show how such typical activities as observing the weather can be modified to provide multisensory, multilevel, and…

This book deals with the challenges of teaching large classes at institutions of higher learning, and addresses such issues as how instruction can be personalized and made more interactive with large numbers of students. The material for the book arose out of a "large classes project" at the University of Maryland, where the subject was…

A collection of 25 games, some illustrated, for English language instruction includes information exchange games for pairs and small groups (Describe and Draw, Describe and Arrange, Construct It, Describe and Construct, Find the Difference, Complete It, Ask the Right Question, Compare and Check, Rescue), linking and matching games (Use It, Picture…

The Dade County Board of Public Instruction directed a study of the effects of limiting the educational television services of WTHS and WSEC, and the possibility of using those services as a part-time teaching aid rather than a full-time educational process. A cumulative capital investment of $1,317,255 in television facilities provided 2,729…

The document offers a brief evaluation of the effectiveness of the lecture method of teaching and a detailed outline of the characteristics that make it effective. While some of the effectiveness lies in the lecturer's ability, subject discussed, and circumstances, there are certain guidelines and procedures which are generally followed by…