Discusses active learning as a technique to improve learning outcomes; describes the background and history of problem-based learning, explaining why information skills are an integral part; and relates the experiences of librarians at Purdue University in forming collaborations with subject faculty and in the development of problem-based learning…

An instructional module is presented to promote a conceptual understanding of test form equating using traditional methods. Equating is distinguished from scaling. The equating methods described are: (1) mean; (2) linear; and (3) equipercentile. The module includes a self-test. (SLD)

This instructional module discusses the one-, two-, and three-parameter logistic item response theory (IRT) models. Mathematical formulas are given for each model and they are compared, with figures illustrating the effects of changing parameters. A single data set is used to demonstrate the effects of changing parameter values. (SLD)

Examination of Scottish students' progression through National Certificate Modules shows that by 19, women had started and completed fewer modules; men and women tended to select different subjects at different status levels; over time, women's participation declined more rapidly; women made less use of modules to progress to higher education; and…

Argues that the learning module, or learning activity packet (LAP), is effective in changing preconceived attitudes of students and administrators toward history instruction. Suggests that learning modules should be looked at once again because of the mainstreaming of at-risk students. Includes a sample packet on reform movements. (DK)

Describes the design, development, and implementation of an educational media technology course at Miami University (Ohio) for preservice teachers. The four modules that comprise the course are described: (1) computer, (2) film/video, (3) information skills, and (4) photography/graphics. Results of course evaluations are also discussed. (13…

Presents nine entries from the ERIC database focusing on teacher-developed resources. Includes works on teaching methods, museum resources, a learning module on racism, one on the Holocaust, and an activity book on the Bill of Rights. Explains how to obtain the materials. (DK)

Discusses technological and program-design barriers to wider use of television in classroom instruction and describes the steps that the Children's Television Workshop (CTW) took to make "3-2-1 Contact," its educational television science series, a more effective tool for classroom instruction. The development and testing of prototype…

Discusses the possibilities of using situated learning theory in distance education and describes the instructional design of a course on soil and the environment offered at the Open University of the Netherlands that incorporates situated learning. The use of interactive videodisk is described. (Contains 49 references.) (LRW)

Discusses first year experience (FYE) courses that focus on academic achievement and student adjustment to college life. Describes the development of a Web-based instructional module for a FYE course at California State University, San Marcos that includes a library component that teaches information literacy and library skills. (Author/LRW)

Agrees with Alberts and Tuomi about the need for an experiential approach to science instruction but argues that science kits are too easily used in ways that do not significantly advance students' skills in problem solving and critical evaluation and that the kits too often seem to relieve the teachers from responsibility for their own continuing…

A survey of 460 students attending multidisciplinary health care modules found no gender differences in performance or satisfaction. Students with disabilities or nonwhite ethnicity were less satisfied, older students more satisfied. Part-time students had more concerns than full-time students. Diploma students were more satisfied than bachelor's…

This study investigated the "the effects of receiving the preferred form of online assessment feedback upon middle school mathematics students." Students completed a Web-based quadratics equations learning module followed by a randomly generated online quiz that they could practise as often as they liked. The effect of receiving their preferred…

The purpose of this study is to first develop an 8-week college teaching module based on root competition literature. The split-root technique is adapted for the teaching laboratory, and the Sugar Ann English pea (Pisum sativum var. Sugar Ann English) is selected as the species of interest prior to designing experiments, either original or…

The recent structural reforms in New Zealand education have given schools and teachers unprecedented freedom in curricular design and delivery. Using official educational award statistics for 2004 and data arising from a study of 23 schools' upper secondary science curricula in the same year, this study represents an early monitoring of the impact…