Argues that one of the richest vehicles for enhancing students' classroom learning is the diversity of the student body itself. Integrating diversity into the classroom process also increases motivation and facilitates development of social, cognitive, and communication skills necessary for today's multicultural workforce. Classroom experiences,…

This article provides a case study (an eighth-grader with autism) within a case study (an urban middle school) in terms of the implementation of positive behavioral support (PBS). Information is provided on the characteristics of three key components of schoolwide PBS, universal support, group support, and individual support. (Contains…

Discusses changes in classroom dynamics when computer technology is incorporated into the curriculum, based on experiences in elementary and secondary school science and math classes. Topics include student motivation; cooperation and collaboration; increased persistence in problem solving; different methods of assessment; increased and improved…

Describes an interactive, cooperative-learning environment, "The Biology Sleuth." Characterizes students' interactions with this system, relates the underlying design concepts and principles, and presents a rationale for the system design. Describes a series of three formative evaluations, that were critical in the maturation of the system.…

The Tools for Understanding Project moves noncollege-bound students toward varied, integrated experiences with literacies required for success in the work force. The program excels at teaching higher order thinking, linking instruction with communication, and giving students practice in problem-solving (raising funds for a field trip). (MLH)

Describes focus-group discussions involving teachers and principals participating in the restructuring of the Queen's University of Kingston teacher-education program, examining the new program's emphasis on experiential learning, discussing how the focus groups sought the views of school partners on four aspects of the program, and noting three…

Explains that authentic teaching and assessment enable students to utilize their prior knowledge, recent learning, and critical thinking and problem-solving skills in real-world contexts. Describes examples of authentic teaching and assessment that use the "Voluntary National Content Standards in Economics" as a framework for economics…

As part of the Generalist Physician Initiative, the University of Massachusetts medical school developed the "standardized family" as a model for teaching essential elements of primary care in a core curriculum format outside the clinical setting. The hypothetical family unit serves as the focus for case-based clinical problem solving.…

Examined student attitudes toward the introduction of a Web component into a general biology course for undergraduate nonmajors that allowed asynchronous learning outside the classroom and increased student-to-student interaction. Results showed a positive effect on student learning, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking skills. Attitudes…

Case-based pedagogy focuses on teachers' problem solving, decision making, reflective practices and their own personalized theory about teaching and learning. Research has shown that case-based pedagogy enables teachers to improve their actions in teaching and learning from multiple perspectives, reflective thinking, active participation and…

"Principles and Standards for School Mathematics" states that in the middle grades "measurement concepts and skills can be developed and used throughout the school year rather than treated exclusively as a separate unit of study" (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics 200, p. 241). This article describes a collaborative activity that…

This paper offers some concrete ideas and suggestions for incorporating discussions of experimental technologies in the middle level technology education classroom. Technology education students should be aware of experimental technologies. They should understand the ramifications of items such as hybrid vehicles, photovoltaic solar panels,…

Victims of bullying need assistance in developing better strategies for effectively responding to bullies. Utilizing a new intervention strategy, problem-based learning (PBL), school counselors can incorporate problem-solving and literature-based lessons. This strategy provides the possibility of increasing awareness and knowledge of bullying,…

This article enquires into the role of gender in the use of different forms of aggression and in the appearance of conflicts within the interactions between students of 12-17 years of age. In order to understand both aspects, the conversational fragments of students and teachers from two high schools are expounded; discourses obtained using a…

Two groups of middle school students were taught U.S. colonial history during a 5-week period using 2 different instructional strategies. In the experimental group, concepts and problem-solving strategies were explicitly taught; in the control group, content was presented using lectures and reading. All students took a pretest and several…