A study investigated the relationship of social interaction and learning among women college students in a supplemental instruction program for science featuring a collaborative classroom structure. It was found that this culture of community and cooperation promoted intellectual risk-taking and connected understanding of concepts. Some new ways…

Discusses Howard Gardner's views regarding students' academic abilities. Describes the use of primary sources in history instruction. Includes a guide for analyzing primary sources for each level from kindergarten through eighth grade. (CFR)

Presents a method for teaching about cultural landscapes in introductory geography classes by comparing Italian Renaissance gardens with Japanese Zen gardens. Discusses the background and attributes of both garden types. Maintains that, by contrasting the two traditions, it is possible to illustrate cultural landscapes. (CFR)

Teachers of American Indian elementary school students attended a two-week institute emphasizing integration of science instruction with culturally relevant materials and activities and use of a hands-on inquiry approach. A one-year follow-up found that initial changes in teachers' behavior and practices had largely been lost. Discusses…

Describes a study that investigated the effects of computer programing activities, supplemented with problem-solving strategy instruction, on programing skills and on learner attitudes toward computers and toward problem-solving skills. The instruction of elementary students in LOGO and junior high students in BASIC is described, and further…

Many teachers use cooperative learning methods during instruction but face the problem of aligning evaluation techniques with that instruction. Described are methods to include cooperative problem solving in evaluation, including strategies to identify possible grading schemes, to make appropriate problem choices, and to evaluate individual versus…

Shows how two approaches, nurture (subject-matter centered) and nature (child-centered), have affected education and art education over the years. Concludes that whichever approach is fashionable, art education must be relevant to students' lives and they should be able to talk intelligently about art. (KM)

Across the country, college faculty are redefining core knowledge and skills to include learning about pluralism in the United States and about world cultures. They are experimenting with new pedagogical approaches that engage cultural diversity in effective ways. Interdisciplinary collaboration, thematic curricula, and cooperative learning…

Describes an integrated computer-based conferencing and mail system called ICMS (Integrated Conferencing and Mail System) that was developed to encourage students to participate in class discussions more actively. The menu-driven user interface is explained, and ICMS's role in promoting self-assessment and critical thinking is discussed. (eight…

Suggests instructional modifications that utilize liberal arts students interests and strengths to stimulate their interest in mathematics. Suggestions recommend that teachers (1) relate mathematics to current critical issues; (2) make use of projects and open-ended problems; (3) utilize collaborative learning; and (4) provide opportunities for…

Describes the use of analogy relative to the classical theory of momentum and kinetic energy, and addresses the advantages and disadvantages of this approach with respect to modern physics. Discusses the origins of the billiard ball analogy in the work of Coriolis and its influence on later theories and investigations of nuclear fission, particle…

Describes the Kiswahili language and the increasing interest taken in studying Kiswahili by African-American students. Overall, college students' interest in foreign languages is declining, but awareness of and curiosity about African languages, particularly Kiswahili, represent student interest in African culture and heritage. (SLD)

Reports a national study of variables influencing the retention, restriction, or removal of challenged library materials in secondary schools. Results show that retention is positively associated with the presence of school board policy and support of librarians, whereas removal is associated with administrative challenges and librarians willing…

Discussion of the use of desktop publishing software to produce instructional materials highlights a study that used a wrap-around text format with variations in the amount of white space surrounding the graphic to investigate the effect of white space variations on the reading speed and comprehension of undergraduate students. (28 references)…

Describes a study conducted at the University of Southern Mississippi to examine the attitudes of professors of educational administration toward school library media program information in school principal preparation programs. Characteristics of the professors are discussed, and the influence of guidelines contained in "Information…