This theme issue covering elementary and prevocational programs examines agriculture education in elementary and middle schools, motivational activities for exploratory agriculture, utilizing the Food for America program, benefits of the Food for America program, elementary agriculture education curriculum, and vocational agriculture for seventh…

Music motivator projects that enable the elementary teacher to use social science methods (known as ethnomethodology) to observe and learn about students without testing are described. Working in groups and guiding each other, students compose a musical composition and then notate it. Discovery learning is encouraged. (RM)

Provides a detailed look at combination of factors contributing to the success of the elementary science television programs of Japan, including production facilities, research, instructional approach, production techniques, and promotion. It is suggested that this series could serve as a model for the development of televised instruction in…

Some number investigations on the multiplication table are provided by a sequence of four activity sheets. Beginning with examples of triangular and square numbers, the activities lead to the generalization. (MNS)

Active children often develop learning problems because of their need for constant stimuli. These children require activities that allow them hands-on experience. Suggestions are offered on how parents can teach in active ways at home and show the child that learning can be fun. (DF)

Describes a model of inservice education that is consistent with current view of language and learning, is capable of uncovering teachers' current beliefs about the nature of learning and the translation of those beliefs into practices, and has the potential for promoting and building alternative perspectives. (HOD)

The inquiry teaching or discovery approach to learning is discussed. An object lesson is outlined using a cultural artifact as the subject of analysis. (Author/RM)

Suggests that the effectiveness of non-directive, activity-centered teaching methods can be enhanced when the teacher spends less time interacting with students and more time observing them. (MLH)

Instructions are given for making a solid from unit cubes joined face to face. Activities lead to design and construction of the SOMA cube, along with other cube puzzles. (DT)

This paper describes W.A.S.H. (We All Speak Here), an experiential learning strategy that provides learners (individuals or groups) with a means for exploring, discussing, and discovering their thoughts and feelings on any idea, issue, or concept. This strategy is part of a larger model in which students develop a deeper understanding of learning…

This digest discusses the unique needs of mathematically gifted students and reasons why curriculum and instruction should be differentiated for these learners in mixed-ability classrooms. Recommendations for differentiation include: (1) give pre-assessments so that students who already know the material do not have to repeat it but may be…

Defining moments are situations that ask us to step forward in irreversible courses of action that shape our personal or professional identities. These moments of truth happen quickly and reveal something new about ourselves that had been hidden or only partially known. In a process known as "edgework," experiential educators and…

This report discusses the outcomes of a qualitative study conducted to investigate how preschool children with hearing impairments learn about literacy within a school setting. Seven preschool children with hearing impairments were observed in their school setting two days a week for nine months for a total of 283 hours of observation. One class…

Describes open classroom approach to discovery learning using video tape recorders and Super 8 film. (CH)

Senior Inspector for Primary Education in Manchester, England explodes some of the myths concerning "open education" in the English School System. (CS)