Presents techniques for improving instructional delivery, including encouraging active learning; having empathy for students; mixing theory and practice; and increasing students' motivation. Discusses a Web-based case study on expert systems management and features in the "Information Warfare" multimedia aid. (AEF)

Argues that active learning approaches should be used in institutions of higher education and with adult students. Argues that the constructivist approach to educating preservice teachers produces better teachers and is achievable despite problems of large classes, restricted textbook choices, and evaluation issues. Provided suggestions for…

Advocates the Ausubelian approach to preschool education, as it combines traditional child-centered and teacher-centered preschool settings, and influences of Bruner and Piaget. Focuses on the use of the advance organizer lesson to assist students in making basic concept connections. Notes positive effects on student stimulation, interaction, and…

A high school teacher in rural Georgia who has used the 11 Foxfire Core Practices for seven years describes how they have helped her enable students to guide their own learning and think for themselves. Her classes' high scores on state writing tests and Spanish competitions are further testimony to the viability of the practices. (TD)

A teacher describes her experience applying the Foxfire approach to a particularly unruly fourth-grade class. A trip to an old-growth forest caught their attention and became their learning laboratory for the year. Practically every project they did focused around the forest, and they became a productive, hard working class. (TD)

A conceptual framework is provided to help college teachers find ways to include meaningful learning activities in their classes, regardless of teaching style, course objectives, or students' level of experience. Examples are offered from literature and nursing courses. Additional issues discussed include the teacher's role perception and concerns…

Issues emerging in the use of active learning techniques at the college level are summarized, including faculty's risk of colleagues' disapproval, risk of student disapproval, creation of a positive classroom environment, inclusiveness and equitable participation, course and student evaluation, and use of electronic tools for instructional…

A project to help teachers use technology to enhance learning is tied to the Lewis and Clark Expedition bicentennial, to bring a sense of adventure to learning. A 3-day outdoor workshop emphasizing the Nez Perce role in the expedition and a mapping project tracing changes in Lewiston (Idaho) had 8th-graders using global positioning systems,…

Describes a qualitative study of student and tutor perspectives on the assessment of an innovative undergraduate course at the Open University (United Kingdom), which has employed an activity-based approach. Discusses the relationship between assessment, student participation, and the development of skills, and outlines the priorities for the…

Discusses factors that affect the use of technology by social studies teachers. Focuses on the use of Web-based learning within the social studies. Highlights studies that address the effects of technology in social studies. Introduces the articles in this special issue, "Technology in Social Studies Education." (CMK)

Reviews the national social studies standards developed and disseminated by the National Council for the Social Studies. Discusses 3 purposes and 10 operating assumptions of the standards. Responds to six questions that examine the standards within the classroom context. (CFR)

A new approach to introductory accounting at the University of Southern California teaches students to view issues from varied perspectives, broadens exposure to unstructured problems with more than one solution approach, and places accounting in real-world context. It has increased enrollment and persistence and attracted new students to the…

Reviews research on the early development of symbolic play. Suggests that symbolic play begins to emerge near the beginning of the child's second year and continues to play an important role in his or her development throughout the preschool years. Proposes basic techniques caregivers can use to facilitate and promote the development of symbolic…

Outlines instructions for conducting a student-organized open discussion of a proposed 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Provides student instructions and eight character role descriptions. Includes a ballot on the issue designed to be sent to the American Bar Association. (CFR)

Maintains that growing grapes for winemaking has increased dramatically in the United States. Describes a college class assignment in which students analyzed climate and soil type to identify appropriate viticulture areas. Reports high student interest in the assignment and includes four figures illustrating the approach. (CFR)