In workshops for teachers the author provides each participant with five sticks and challenges them to create a variety of configurations. In the process the teachers hypothesize and test a number of geometric notions. (SD)

Four curricular models are contrasted: the performance model (which is exemplified by most college curricula), closed and open contrast models, and the "experimenting community" in which learning experiences emerge from a process of interaction. This latter approach is elaborated upon in terms of its emphasis on nurturing improvisational learning,…

Discusses how "Messing About" may lead to exploratory learning and, ultimately, to steady growth in productive thought and problem-solving ability. Emphasizes the role of classroom organization and teacher-models of competence in facilitating autonomous interest. (CS)

Teaching history with original documents is a stimulus for the inquiry method of learning. A curriculum packet produced by the Oregon State Archives contains 24 historical document facsimiles with an accompanying instructors manual. Selected from the state archives with an explanation of each document and questions for discussion provided, the…

In one university, bibliographic labs were developed to help students retrieve and evaluate sources in the disciplines of history and literature. The labs were designed not only to provide training in the skills necessary for preparing a research presentation and paper, but to build on the foundation of faculty-librarian-student collaboration to…

Secondary school and college students can learn how to shape thought through shaping language by using tagmemic heuristics. To approach writing as a thinking process, students apply three heuristics: one for identifying and stating problems, one for exploring problems, and one for evaluating hypotheses or solutions. Guided by a series of…

This unit uses a learning center approach to helping elementary students learn about Israel. Following a rationale for implementing an interdisciplinary approach to global education, the unit discusses methodology and management of the program, which consists of seven independent learning centers and one library research center through which…

The interaction between fluid aptitude and two levels of instructional method (expository and discovery) was investigated. The methods differed in the completeness of the support provided for cognitive processing of procedural knowledge. Four performance outcomes were measured--immediate and delayed recall, and near and far transfer of the…

The middle school program described is designed to provide boys and girls, together, career-oriented experiences, utilizing concepts relating to the "World of Work" in what have traditionally been called home economics, industrial arts, and business education. The open classroom program is student centered; an experimental approach is encouraged.…

Discusses attitudes seemingly engendered by practices in science teaching. Comments on explanations of scientific phenomena which appear in recent science texts as over-simplified and thus impede the child's imagination. (Author/EB)

Results indicated that discovery subjects took significantly longer than verbal reception subjects in the first-, third-, and sixth-grades to reach the original learning criterion. Verbal reception subjects generally demonstrated performance which was superior to discovery subjects on all measures of retention and transfer. (Author/BJG)

Basic writing teachers can make use of the Learning Cycle teaching technique to design exploration and invention activities with which their students can practice analytical writing. The Learning Cycle approach is based on Piagetian theory and involves a three-phase process of exploration, invention, and discovery. In the exploration phase…

Designed for quick, easy identification of some of the most commonly encountered organisms found in and around the school ground, this illustrated guide identifies by a picture and a short biological description the common animals and plants found in and around school lawns, house lawns, parks, fence rows, flower gardens, vacant lots, and…

A study was designed to evaluate whether congruency or incongruency between a teacher's intended discovery/inquiry laboratory instructional strategy and his/her actual behaviors used to implement that strategy had an effect on higher level learning by students. Also assessed was whether student performance on science projects can be an effective…