The purpose of the study was to describe the development and application of an instrument to identify various dimensions of the learning environment, as perceived by elementary and middle school students in Taiwan. The instrument, the New Constructivist Learning Environment Scales, includes four dimensions: attitude concerning instruction,…

This study developed, validated, and utilized the Technology Integrated Classroom Inventory (TICI) to examine technology-integrated science learning environments as perceived by secondary school students and teachers. Using technology-oriented classroom climate instruments and considering the science classroom's characteristics, TICI was…

The No Child Left Behind Act requires that all teachers be certified within the content areas that they teach. However, attracting and retaining highly qualified science teachers in rural school districts is particularly difficult due to limited resources and geographic and professional isolation. Science professional development programs could…

A new learning unit in chemistry, "Case-based Computerized Laboratories" (CCL) and Computerized Molecular Modeling" (CMM) was developed at the Technion. The CCL and CMM curriculum integrates computerized desktop experiments and molecular modeling with an emphasis on scientific inquiry and case studies. Our research aimed at…

This case study examined how mentoring experiences might encourage teachers to consider and adopt a problem-based historical inquiry (PBHI) framework for teaching. We mentored six teachers over 15 months as they planned and implemented PBHI teaching, reflected on their experiences, and then engaged in peer mentoring of other teachers. Data…

This study examined intermediate and middle school level classrooms to describe the relationship between teacher and student understandings of inquiry-oriented instruction. Student understanding of the nature of science within the context of this instruction was also examined. Twenty-seven students from grades 4-6 were interviewed to evaluate…

This 40-item annotated bibliography is intended to introduce speech communication educators to some of the principal resources and case studies in the rhetoric of inquiry. The first two sections of the bibliography include works that explore the rhetoric of inquiry specifically. The following three sections cite theoretical works that have played…

One of the key purposes of leadership education is to influence people's thinking and behavior to become more effective leaders. Leading is about transformation. The intent of double-loop learning is also transformation; the transformation of deeply held perspectives of the world in which we work and act. Double-loop learning can be viewed as a…

In the social studies classroom, study can be motivated through techniques that insure success. These include testing techniques that guide and guarantee success, inquiry teaching centering on challenging mysteries, attention-getting techniques, and information that allows students to "show off". (JH)

The main concern of this study was the training of classroom teachers who could promote and sustain inquiry learning with children in elementary schools. (Author)

The philosophical problem of "how one knows," using inductive reasoning and the use of inductive reasoning in four new social studies programs are discussed in order to promote an awareness among students and teachers of the complexity of the methodological problem. (JH)

This report discusses the design of the Macintosh version of INQUIRE, a software package developed to support the processes and activities of inquiry learning and teaching. It is noted that the design challenge was to encourage students to consider information from a variety of perspectives, to make and articulate conceptual connections between…

Following a brief discussion of the lack of definition and cohesion in the social studies and the curriculum, the paper argues that the reflective inquiry rationale has had the most significant influence of all the alternative rationales for the field and its curriculum. The paper presents its case in four basic sections. The first section,…

A study focusing on the constructions of organizational reality offered by eight faculty members in a school of education at a large midwestern university is presented. This qualitative study documented and analyzed tacit and/or explicit sensemaking strategies. The four parts of the study are as follows: (1) a tracing of the convergence of the…