The goals of social studies--defined as thinking, understanding, attitudes, and skills--are considered within the framework of a cognitive and an affective taxonomy of educational goals. The first lesson in this series of lessons on social studies instructional strategies deals with modes of inquiry and with the value of responsible consent and…

The general purpose of this paper is twofold. One is to survey the research and literature on the learning of oral and written language in the elementary schools. The other is to propose a statement of needs, objectives, and components for an oral and written language program for elementary grade children. The method used for this study consists…

An experiment tested the efficacy of "discovery learning" in a school setting. Fifty-two bright children ages one to seven were randomly divided into two groups: a discovery learning, non-directed group and a guided learning, teacher-directed group. After both groups had spent eight months using an individualized "talking…

States the objectives and implementation procedures for this teacher-directed or individualized learning discovery unit. Describes the value of the program and additional activities that can be included. Shows a copy of the program. (RT)

Reports on a study to determine the interaction effects of selected personality characteristics, science achievement, and two classroom climates, one which encouraged discovery learning and one that did not. Demonstrated that student achievement is influenced by dynamic interactions within classrooms. (TW)

Discusses use of microcomputers for structuring, communicating, and disseminating information under the categories of instructional use (computer-assisted instruction), emancipation (number crunching), revelatory (discovery/simulation), and conjectural (hypothesis testing). Also discusses use of PROLOG language for modeling ecosystems and testing…

The goals of this study were to investigate problem-solving in a context that requires a rich interaction among social, motivational, and cognitive processes and to compare the effects of the mediated and discovery models of learning on students' problem-solving processes in the complex technology-based learning environment. Subjects were 88…

Describes a study in which kindergarten and first-grade students discussed the subject of shadows. Two students became teacher/leaders, and the rest asked questions for clarification or gave input. The classroom teacher modeled questioning and communication skills all year. The goal was to empower students to have a role in their own education.…

Explains how the Mathcad computer program can promote the development of higher-order chemical thinking skills of students taking junior-level physical chemistry courses. The kinetics of first-order series and reversible reactions is used as an example of how this can be implemented within an interactive laboratory or lecture format. (PVD)

Describes and analyzes an effort to introduce problem-based learning (PBL) into a Chinese cultural setting--an educational administration course at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Discusses tensions between Eastern students' perceptions of teachers as "wise persons" and a Western discovery-learning philosophy, ameliorative…

Argues that the use of prepackaged, worksheet-based curricula in preschools decreases teacher and student interest by creating a stagnant classroom environment. Provides guidelines for choosing prepackaged curricula when necessary. Suggests that a constructivist classroom promotes student interest, motivation, interaction, and discussion, and that…

Argues that, if teachers of English as a Second Language deepen their understanding of learning styles and strategies, they can maximize the potential of computer-assisted individualized instruction for their students. The article suggests that, when teachers share their resources with their students and then let them go, the students will find…

Stresses that media literacy is a skill which can and must be learned in the classroom. Urges that media be placed on center stage not merely used as audio-visual aids. Lists eight statements which can serve as the basis of curricula concerned with media literacy. Suggests pedagogical approaches to the subject. (KO)

Describes a community study project that uses history and the five fundamental themes of geography as a framework. The project involves organizing committees to study the need for a traffic signal in a small town. By studying various dimensions of the issue, the committees are able to demonstrate the need for a signal. (KO)

Examines an unusual approach to aesthetic education utilizing open-ended philosophical inquiries (conundrums) to facilitate class discussions. The conundrums were submitted by artists, gallery owners, and teachers. Results showed the approach to be an effective adjunct to instruction, provided the teachers could refrain from "filling in"…