Shows that before students can begin doing research and inquiry on their own, they need to experience extensive nonfiction reading and writing and learn to generate questions and find resources. Offers a list of strategies and ideas that will help prepare the teacher, students, parents, and other teachers for the inquiry process. (SR)

Reports on a small-scale study designed to estimate science teachers' awareness of findings derived from research in science education and other branches of educational research. Focuses on experienced science teachers in Portugal who were following advanced professional training programs that usually lead to Masters' degrees in science education.…

Indicates the importance of the interdisciplinary approach in teaching and learning. Recommends using grids in curriculum design for the integration of concepts such as art, math, and science. (YDS)

Explains the phrase "What is Assessment?". Lists the principles of assessment and includes standards and goals, trust, total campus commitment, constant and continuing assessment, and incorporation of assessment research into practice and policy as the ideal components of assessment practice. Recommends the use of scoring rubrics for student…

Describes model for teaching group dynamics to enhance generalization of learning from classroom to workplace by using the following learning processes: viewing videotapes of classroom interaction; maintaining a journal; participating in outdoor experiential course; role playing in simulation games; and applying sociodramatic techniques. After…

A focus on people--whether community members, students, historical figures, or fictional characters--and their motivations brings excitement to learning. A community's experts on everything from jazz music and Chinese tapestries to building construction can help students move inside history and other subjects. (MLH)

Comparison of the conceptions of learning of 60 nursing students and 54 auto mechanic students, elicited in individual interviews at program beginning and end, found qualitative differences and similarities. Differences within an educational program were fewer than those among students participating in different programs. Among students within a…

Recent research has revealed remarkable data about the intricacies of brain-based learning and the integration of this knowledge into the academic setting. Prudent educators can create a brain-friendly classroom by developing an emotionally and physically safe environment, using laughter and simple exercises to eliminate mental cobwebs, creating…

Unlike the open-classroom movement, which operated on a slim theoretical base, current spiritual pedagogies reflect the work of respected theorists and researchers. The term "holistic" has advanced the idea of universal interconnectedness. Spirituality grows in classrooms when teachers act as agents of joy and conduits of transcendence, rather…

Metaphors are guiding images that influence one's approach to problem solving. Experiential learning is a process of metaphor change; the task of educators is to facilitate development of new metaphors that generate new potential when old metaphors don't work. Discusses stages of metaphor development, creating an open learning space, and…

Beneath elements of cognitive development, motivation is seen as a basic concept to describe students' learning in a physics classroom. German secondary school students regard physics as difficult to learn, very abstract, and dominated by males. Knowing about the influence of motivation on learning physics may lead to new insights in the design of…

A study of 261 New Zealand students (ages 6-15) investigating technological capability in undertaking technological problem-solving tasks determined that focus on end-product precluded students from fully considering processes to solve problems, that technological approaches were influenced by classroom culture, and that existing concepts of…

Describes a process for moving toward high levels of mathematics and science learning for all students. Presents the collaborative inquiry process and a framework for integrating it into systemic mathematics and science education reform. Proposes steps for developing a learning-centered systemic action plan. (ASK)

An adolescent aversion to competition helped the reviewer/marathoner appreciate Mariah Burton Nelson's "Embracing Victory: Life Lessons in Competition and Compassion" (Morrow, 1998). Nelson, a former collegiate and professional basketball player, focuses on female athletes' and nonathletes' attitudes about numerous competition-related…

Discusses the role of online searchers and training needs. Highlights include legal research training; organizational learning, including adult education and lifelong learning; chance and play in learning; training tips that focus on adult learners; and Internet training resources. (LRW)