This paper reports research on three innovations addressing teachers' adoption of effective instructional interventions: (1) an adoption/administrative model for promoting the use of measurably superior instructional practices; (2) a computer program providing expert implementation advice to individual teachers; and (3) a schoolwide strategy for…

Presents a project in which students monitor their use of trash, input and analyze information via a database and computerized graphs, and "reconstruct" extinct or endangered animals from recyclable materials. The activity was done with second-grade students over a period of three to four weeks. (PR)

A middle school reform initiative, sponsored by the Program for Disadvantaged Youth of the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation 4 years ago, has taken hold in 12 urban middle schools nationwide. The article discusses that reform, noting the lessons about change to accommodate student diversity that urban middle schools can teach. (SM)

Journal writing accompanies the fieldwork of students pursuing library degrees at Queensland University of Technology (Australia). It helps students reflect on various aspects of the practicum experience. This article describes student and supervisor responsibilities in the journalling process, and discusses survey results and anecdotal evidence…

Examines technology's role in restructuring educational processes, highlighting two approaches to computer-assisted education. The Integrated Learning System aims to transmit knowledge using drills and practice. Tool-based systems focus on students actively developing individual conceptual and cognitive approaches to learning; they should aid…

This supplement assembles six articles covering Internet usage in the library media center, including: selecting and evaluating Internet resources; developing information literacy skills to reach educational goals; and citing Internet resources. It examines demographic profiles of schools that are connected to the Internet and provides tips and…

Asserts that literature-based social studies allow students to acquire a deeper grasp of the meaning and impact of social issues and historical events. Notes, however, that rhetoric about these positive effects is more prevalent than research. Recommends studying this kind of teaching in more detail. (MJP)

This study compared the effects of an extended, systematic on-campus laboratory experience with a similarly extensive, systematic field-based experience for preservice teachers. Results suggested that laboratory teachers, but not field experience teachers, improved their ability to reflect on teaching and facilitate desired instruction. Results…

Describes a research project that takes a problem-solving approach to teaching about social stratification. Students identify a local issue related to stratification (homeless, welfare reform, etc.). They break into small groups and design a research plan, conduct a literature search, perform the fieldwork, and arrive at a synthesis. (MJP)

Asserts that students familiarity with African American athletes and sports make it an effective lens to examine the nature versus nurture debate. Includes salient discussion questions and relevant examples drawn from articles and books illustrating opposing points of view. Concludes with a brief discussion of student response. (MJP)

Outlines an instructional unit on the geography of Mexico, organizing daily lesson plans around geographic themes. The five themes of geography are location, place, relationships, movement, and regions. Each lesson plan includes objectives, materials, activities utilizing different learning strategies, and closure. (MJP)

Utilizes the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) to delineate four basic personality types and their corresponding learning styles. Compares student's learning style with professor's teaching style. Suggests options for improving instruction by offering teaching and grading strategies that better accommodate student personality types and learning…

Presents the results of an experiment that evaluated the efficiency of analogy in the conceptual restructuring of a science topic. The experiment involved a fifth-grade class studying water and heat flow. Discovered that analogy can act as an effective trigger for restructuring knowledge. (MJP)

Presents a simulation that focuses on Kurdish nationalism and the struggle for autonomy and independence from the states that rule over Kurdish lands. Students assume the roles of either one of the countries directly involved or the governing body of the United Nations. Includes extensive background material. (MJP)

Describes an instructional methodology course where preservice social studies teachers prepared various lesson plans on the same unit of study. Their presentations were then videotaped and evaluated by the instructor, their peers, and themselves. Journal writing assignments complemented the course work and excerpts from these are included. (MJP)