Intended for middle school instructors or teacher education students in middle school methods courses, this guide provides a practical, concise, criterion-referenced, performance-based mastery learning model for effective teaching. The guide is organized around four components: why the rationale to support the components that follow; what the…

Attitudes toward learning in the United Kingdom were examined by studying 2 populations: a sample of 1,043 adults from 130 sampling points throughout England, Scotland, and Wales and a sample of 4,245 school-age pupils in England and Wales. Both samples were representative from the standpoints of age, sex, geographic location, social class, and…

This conference focused on the many elements of distance education that must be integrated into a smooth-functioning whole that provides a quality learning experience. This proceedings contains 76 papers presented at information sessions, 14 workshop papers, and one addendum. Topics include learning environments; learning strategies; funding;…

This paper presents a methodology of courseware development that aims to build a global system of training on the Internet. Although the researchers' practice is based on a mix of constructivist and cooperative learning theory, it is noted that courseware would have to support other theories and practices in order to be transferable. Three spaces…

This paper outlines hurdles to using the World Wide Web for learning, specifically in a collaborative knowledge-construction environment. Theoretical solutions based directly on existing Web environments, as well as on research and system prototypes in the areas of Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS) and ITS authoring systems, are suggested. Topics…

This paper describes "Methods of Integrating Technology in the Elementary Social Studies/Language Arts Classroom," a class at Northern Arizona State University with the purpose of assisting preservice teacher candidates in developing an understanding and appreciation of the many perspectives of the social studies, language acquisition in…

Research has shown a decline in motivation and performance for many children as they move from elementary school into middle school; however, research has also shown that the nature of motivational change on entry to middle school depends on characteristics of the learning environment in which students find themselves. This Digest outlines some…

Kindergarten marks a new beginning for parent and child, and presents challenges for parents as their child makes the transition from home to school. This handbook provides a description of what parents can expect of their child's kindergarten program in Alberta, Canada. It describes how young children learn, how learning is assessed, and how…

This training manual is designed to lay the foundation for trainers and technicians by showing the steps to achieve and maintain good indoor air quality through use of cleaner-burning forklifts and materials handlers. The first part of the manual consists of nine units that provide informational material and diagrams on these topics: comparison of…

This final report describes the activities and outcomes of a federally funded project that was designed to increase the availability of graduate level Essential Early Educators in Vermont who can: (1) provide integrated, family-centered, early childhood special education services to young children with disabilities and their families; (2) provide…

This practicum project sought to facilitate change in preschool teacher classroom behavior from teacher-directed practice to child-initiated practice. The goals of the practicum focused on changes that would foster child-initiated activities in order to promote healthy and holistic development, positive self-esteem, and resiliency skills in young…

The three issues of the journal on second language teacher education include these articles: "We Need More and Different Flags" (Agnes Martin); "Dealing with Timetabling on Second Language Teacher Training Courses" (Craig Thaine); "Interview with Jill Florent"; "Haiku Idea" (Tim Hahn); "The Hidden…

This annotated bibliography presents a selective overview of materials on the topic of children with special health needs. Materials are divided into the following topics: (1) early identification and intervention (21 resources); (2) family-centered, community-based, culturally competent care (23 resources); (3) financing services (10 resources);…

This paper discusses the use of WebQuest, a World Wide Web-based multi-user game, in promoting learning motivation and navigation skills in K-9 students. WebQuest demonstrates ways to integrate games, Internet communication facilities, Web-based courseware, and database techniques together in order to assist learning. The following guidelines for…

This paper examines how the use of video has inspired and altered the implementation of teaching and learning in the delivery of a master's program offered in a distance learning format. In the process of this examination, technical issues concerning video production techniques, distribution, and utilization are also analyzed. The paper focuses on…