Teaching art at the elementary level provides the student and the teacher with the opportunity to develop artistic skills and enhance awareness of the world and its varied cultures. Art provides the chance to gain an appreciation of the various styles of art and artists. Art education allows for students' individual growth; unique, valuable…

Creating a nonthreatening atmosphere, drawing out introverted participants, and relating the lessons of programmed activities to everyday life are a few of the challenges of quality processing (debriefing). At times, alternative methods of processing open doors when straightforward questioning does not. In some instances, alternative methods serve…

Spatial dynamics is an instructional strategy whereby students create large scale models that capture the details of a historic event. This Digest discusses classroom floor models and papier mache models. Floor models are best suited to elementary classrooms and middle schools. Papier mache models, appropriate for high school social studies…

Effective argumentation is the distinguishing feature of a classroom that employs discovery teaching and student inquiry methodologies. In the long term, the objective of the program is to understand how to design learning environments and curriculum, instruction, and assessment models that promote student self-reflection. The study evaluates the…

This book presents a collection of essays on building collaborative communities in which democratic principles of education may be recognized, focusing on learning and teaching through inquiry. After (1) "The Development of a Community of Inquirers" (Gordon Wells), there are three parts. Part 1, "Inquiries in the Elementary…

A study investigated students' perceptions about their interactions while using a Literacy Play Center geared toward social studies with a "time machine" theme. Subjects, 19 fifth-grade students in a suburban elementary school in central New Jersey, were interviewed about their experience and video taped while interacting in the play…

The course of one twelve-week extra-mural adult class, "War and Society," is described and evaluated. Evidence was presented from a pack of teaching materials; in discussion, the teacher protected divergence of view and learning standards to develop understanding of social situations, human acts, and the controversial issues they raise. (AJ)

Describes a typical day in an open school in Oxfordshire, England with particular reference to use of the various learning centers. Gives a detailed description of the teacher's actual role in interacting with children. (CS)

Pupils in an open plan (as opposed to traditional) school were found to have more positive attitudes toward school and themselves and scored higher on some measures of productivity; on measures of curiosity there were no differences. (Editor)

Outlines the advantages of such programs for non-rural youth, one being increased awareness of ecology in their home environment. (DB)

Argues that writing in the content areas should be used as a discovery tool, stimulating students' conceptual involvement and prompting them to further investigations. (MM)