A theory-practice model for work-based learning is premised on the idea that learning can be acquired through practice. It incorporates three strategies that can be sequenced: action learning, action science, and communities of practice. (SK)

Presents a "how to" plan for a workshop for a group of teaching assistants (TAs) from a variety of disciplines. The workshop aims to help TAs learn more interactive teaching methods with less reliance on the lecture, with the idea that such methods can help their students to become learners. (EV)

Discusses the impact of biotechnology (i.e., the use of DNA profiling in the courtroom) on today's society. Presents a hands-on activity for DNA profiling simulation that actively involves students. (YDS)

Introduces the Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL) model as an alternative to traditional cooperative learning. Discusses the difficulties of PLTL based curriculum which include finding the peer leaders, selecting the right materials for implementation, and training techniques for peer leaders. (YDS)

Applies self-determination theory to investigate the effects of students' course-specific self-regulation and their perceptions of their instructors' autonomous support on adjustment and academic performance in a college-level organic chemistry course. Hypothesizes that students taking the organic chemistry course for relatively autonomous reasons…

Reports on some of the special considerations that were necessary when ConcepTests, a student active-learning method (SAL), was used in a smaller-sized class (15 students). Finds that the use of ConcepTests was a great way to actively engage students despite the small class size. (MM)

Discusses the lack of success with lecturing for academic library instruction and suggests active learning as a better alternative. Highlights include a historical overview of active learning; considerations for active learning in the library classroom; and active learning and library instruction for special groups. (LRW)

This article describes one classroom's experience with a unit of study that helped students connect their artistic experiences with their understanding of prehistoric times. The unit, culminating in a performance, involved three sixth-grade classes. The components of the thematic unit reinforced an understanding of the elements and principles of…

Describes a modified version of the Paper River exercise that appeared in the spring 1999 journal issue. Illustrates the application of the Coase theorem for solving an externality problem. Indicates students share a single productive resource and work in groups rather than pairs as they did in the earlier version. (JEH)

Active learning is an educational paradigm that has been reinvented and methodologically underpinned many times in order to intensify learning in various forms. This paper presents a complex approach to active learning in a design-centred academic course with international participation. Research and design were considered as vehicles of active…

Readers will find several papers that address high-level issues in the use of technology in education, for example architecture and design frameworks for building online education materials or tools. Several other chapters report novel approaches to intelligent tutors or adaptive systems in educational settings. A number of chapters consider many…

This exploratory study investigates the potential of Wiki technology as a tool for teaching and learning. Wikis are a component of Web 2.0 technology tools that provide collaborative features and active learning opportunities in a web-based environment. This research study sought to empirically determine the pedagogical value of using Wiki…

Reforming the traditional teaching mode and practicing a student-centered interactive teaching mode is the trend of development of the university. Interactive teaching can not only inspire the students' enthusiasm to learn and make them obtain better results on study, but also improve their analytical ability, practical ability and creative…

What if we could truly engage high schools students in learning by actively involving them in research and discussion leading to concrete actions on issues that interest them? Lent describes her experiences working with student study groups composed of high school students and teachers or adult community members. Study groups differ from…

This research investigates preschoolers' use of desires for word learning. Three-year-old children were shown pairs of novel toys and were asked about their own desire and told about a researcher's desire. For half of the children the researcher liked the same object they did and for the other half the researcher liked a different object. The…