The Foxfire core practices are woven into all class activities at a multiage, inclusive K-2 class in Asheville (North Carolina), characterized by active learning, small-group work, and peer teaching. Students are more motivated and have higher self-esteem when they make decisions. All practices met the state's curriculum and testing requirements.…

Describes an exercise, step-by-step, for developing critical thinking while exposing students to electronic-data skills. Argues that the exercise enhances critical thinking by forcing students to deal with issues of data definition, collection, and interpretation, and by providing an active learning experience with real-world data. (DSK)

Provides advice for instructors using the World Wide Web for additional channels for intraclass communication, offering an easier and more convenient way to access library materials, and allowing students to engage in primary research or active learning. Discusses didactic and technical challenges, including students' computer skills and…

Compares the academic achievement of students from two Dutch medical schools, one employing problem-based learning (PBL) and one using non-PBL methods. No systematic differences were found on total test scores. Differences were demonstrated only at the level of individual questions. Results indicate that PBL and non-PBL instructional methods have…

A rural Canadian secondary school developed a cross-age peer-assisted summer program to improve academic achievement and career awareness. Although there was no significant improvement in math grades for female participants, 91 percent of students claimed the program helped them in their present courses. Other outcomes included improved academic…

In an era of high-stakes testing and prescriptive teaching styles, a San Diego charter high school embraces project learning, multilevel classrooms, and video portfolios of student work. The school lacks dining, music, and athletic facilities, but features hefty teacher salaries, student freedom, and real-world problem solving. (MLH)

Microsituations teaching is a case-based, active learning tool developed from cognitive learning theory to teach problem-solving skills to large classes while conserving faculty and other resources. Since implementing this method in an endocrine pharmacology course at the University of Kentucky, student performance on problem-solving examinations…

To monitor a statewide systemic initiative (SSI) for reform of mathematics and science, students were asked such questions as what their teachers did in science and what they themselves did in their classes. Responses were analyzed by race and gender. Different types of teaching and learning activities occurred in classes taught by teachers who…

Offers suggestions to librarians on how to teach Internet use and Web searching to beginners. Highlights include active learning, including small group assignments; Web addresses; Web site authority, currency, accuracy, commercialism, and scope; critical thinking skills; the training environment; student exercises; and educational resources for…

Discusses a middle school level interdisciplinary science project in which students create and display their own inventions. Considers the role of science, math, language arts, writing, social studies, and computer science in the project. Describes the process whereby students become inventors and present their work. (JPB)

Discusses six transformations in teachers' thinking to facilitate implementation of integrative curriculum. The transformations include rethinking the teacher as a curriculum theorist, reconceptualizing the roles of teachers and students, affirming student voices, conceptualizing authentic assessment, and restructuring the classroom environment.…

Discusses a training course for middle school teachers that requires the cooperative student development of an integrated, thematic teaching unit based upon an ordinary object or idea, such as food. Describes the steps to developing the units and provides examples of interesting facts teachers and students learned. (JPB)

Democracy in education has many facets: mass access to education, democratic governance of schools, education about citizenship, and education for citizenship. The skills and dispositions necessary for effective democracy can only be learned by practicing them, yet most secondary students have neither political rights nor a political role. Student…

Reviews a variety of information models developed to provide support for student research that will help school library media specialists meet the needs of diverse learners when providing course integrated library instruction. Each model assumes learning as an active and creative process and promotes the development of critical thinking skills.…

Discusses ways in which a global perspective can influence the college mission and curriculum. Asks what the institution, acting in a global capacity, can do for its students, rather than what the global economy can do for the institution. Warns that in the rush to globalize, college leaders must be clear about their purpose and focus on the…