Describes a teaching approach that uses an operating classroom business to fund service learning projects. (YDS)

Presents results from a study that focused on undergraduate teaching assistants (UTAs) using in-depth written interviews with UTAs; interviews with faculty members/instructors who work with UTAs; and questionnaires from students in classes that use UTAs. States that UTAs can be useful in promoting active learning. (CMK)

Discusses factors that contribute to powerful learning experiences based on the results of two studies that examined diverse groups and more coherent groups of individuals. Topics include the highly individual nature of learning; problems that can create for instructional designers; relevance of learning to life and/or work; active learning; and…

Presents a website that addresses concepts that form a foundation for understanding ecology, pest management, and environmental ethics. Key features of the website include its self-contained, non-linear design; a learning environment that allows students to test ideas without penalty; real-world examples; and built-in assessment tools that…

Compares the effects of three different teaching methods: (1) traditional instruction through listening to a lecture, reading, and participating in discussion; (2) instruction with teacher-constructed self-teaching resources; and (3) instruction with student-constructed self-teaching resources. Determines their effectiveness and the time required…

Describes a science activity that can be implemented into anatomy and physiology courses that demonstrates the interactions between action and myosin, the roles of sodium and calcium ions in the regulation of contraction, and the functions of the plasma membrane and the sarcoplasmic reticulum. (YDS)

Discusses the use of active learning within economics focusing on moot courts. Explains how moot courts fit into economics and presents examples of how moot courts can be used within law and economics, history of economic thought, and environmental economics courses. Highlights student perceptions of moot courts. Includes a bibliography. (CMK)

Uses examples of rich tasks that are linked with traditional science curriculum topics to demonstrate how teachers can come to a better understanding of how to teach topics in context, how rich tasks help build student understanding, and what opportunities exist for making connections within and between topics and disciplines. (Author/YDS)

Provides two examples of the use of the guided-experience approach to teach the U.S. Civil War to eighth-grade students and a life-science unit to third-graders. Describes four key competencies teachers must master to successfully use this approach: Develop community, use materials creatively, question effectively, and master the subject. (PKP)

Examines recent literature on Web-based instruction by looking at authors who take a positive approach to Web-based education and who feel that it is learner-centered. Topics include access to education; active learning; personal contact between instructor and learner; collaboration; learning styles; and assessment. (Author/LRW)

Describes how one activity can lead students to investigate and understand science concepts. Example provided involves ripping of a newspaper and the resultant discussions on saws, fabric, meat, and newsprint. Suggests that this activity can be a bridge to study in language arts, career education, graphic arts, mathematics, science, and…

The author of "The Fifth Discipline" says most schools are not learning organizations. Educators are too isolated and rule-bound to experience collective learning and engage students. Deep learning is learner-driven. Learning communities enhance people's collective capacity to create and pursue overall visions. Schools must exchange…

Describes Maria Montessori's early learning "Casa" setting for young children and other models for educational programs for young children. Discusses the importance of setting in facilitating natural learning in young children and the five steps in the natural learning cycle--observation, participation, role-playing practice, eureka…

A survey of graduate students involved in distance education on North Dakota State University's Interactive Video Network included 80 on campus and 13 off. The instructional models rated most effective were role playing, simulation, jurisprudential (Socratic method), memorization, synectics, and inquiry. Direct instruction was rated least…

The first axiom of actively involving students is to relate activities to their own experiences, thereby engaging them on an emotional level. The Socratic seminar, a form of structured discourse about ideas and moral dilemmas, accomplishes this goal while balancing two traditional educational purposes: cultivation of common values and celebration…