Analyzes the results of an experimental study of a nontraditional style of teaching, a combination of lecture and group discovery methods. Concludes that students in the study performed better than those in traditional sections, their attitudes towards mathematics improved, and they were positive about the instructional approach. (Author/ASK)

Introduces an activity of creating discovery centers that is designed for preservice elementary students using a constructivist approach. Encourages students to find science experiments and hands-on extension activities. (YDS)

Reports on a first-year laboratory sequence known as the Interdisciplinary Laboratory (ID Lab) introduced at Harvey Mudd College. The course seeks to illustrate commonality of investigative methods and laboratory techniques in biology, chemistry, and physics and introduce discipline-specific principles. Provides details of the experiments…

In this article I have addressed the need for change from the traditional, technical skills model of the practicum in teacher-education programs, to a practicum that has a broader educative focus. Following a description of the implementation of a practicum experience with an emphasis on inquiry, I consider data from a three-year study designed…

ZAPs are short, self-contained computer programs that encourage students to experience psychological phenomena in a vivid, self-explanatory way, and that are meant to evoke enthusiasm about psychological topics. ZAPs were designed according to principles that originate from experiential and discovery learning theories. The interactive approach…

This article introduces "medium-based" design -- an approach to creating "exploratory learning environments" using the method of "extending a medium". First, the characteristics of exploratory learning environments and medium-based design are described and grounded in related work. Particular attention is given to "extending a medium" --…

Children are naturally curious, and try to make meaning of the world around them. They love to watch things grow and take note of dramatic changes in science and nature. The authors discuss how one can support children's investigations, as well as their growing capacity to notice and understand growth and change. The authors present some exciting…

Background: Teaching styles in physical education (PE) found prominence through Muska Mosston's teaching styles "Spectrum" model. Mosston's Spectrum has been remarkably successful and its logic currently underpins the conceptualisation of teaching styles in many PE practices in Western education systems, including those in the United…

The people at Inverness Research Associates spent 12 years studying Community Science Workshops (CSW) in California and in six other states. They gathered statistics on the scale, scope, and cost-efficiency of CSW services to youth. They observed youth at work in the shops--taking apart computers, repairing bikes, growing plants, and so on--and…

One of the most important questions I ask as both a cultural anthropologist and a university teacher is: How do people come to know what they think they know? In this article, I adopt a narrative approach to processes of learning and discovery in two very different locales, an indigenous society in the South Pacific, and a senior seminar on…

Two projects, the reaction notebook and the end-of-semester synthesis activity are described which could help students to adopt a discovery-based learning and engage students in practical applications of chemistry. Students have provided positive feedback on this classroom assignment and have felt that it has helped them crystallize their thought…

This study reports findings from a content analysis of the activities and tasks of a school-based problem-solving team. Analyses of observational data collected over the course of five months found that team tasks and activities fell into the following five clusters: (1) needs identification, program development, and planning; (2) intrateam…

This book is a developmental and sequential program of activities designed for grades K-8 to: (1) build a base of awareness, understanding, and skills required for conflict prevention and resolution; (2) give students practice using a variety of strategies for managing and resolving conflict; (3) create opportunities for students to apply those…

Learning centers are areas in a classroom, such as a corner in the room, that define a specific focus or afford a unique learning opportunity. Learning takes place when students reinforce skills by using the skills in interesting, meaningful, relevant, and social contexts. Learning centers can aid this reinforcement by giving students…

The goal of this unit is to increase elementary students' understanding of water, water management, and water-related issues. Topics included in the guide are conceptual framework, the learning cycle, and tips about classroom management and cooperative learning. In Chapters 1-4, 63 student lessons are included that cover topics such as the…