A new introductory computer science course at City College of New York builds on a foundation of logic to teach programming based on a "design idea," a strong departure from conventional programming courses. Reduced attrition and increased student and teacher enthusiasm have resulted. (MSE)

Presents three games using calculators, specifically Texas Instruments' Math Explorer, as an aid to teaching fractions and decimals. Briefly discusses the development by the Texas Education Agency of staff development modules for teachers to learn about calculators, mathematics, and the incorporation of calculators into the teaching of…

Describes how one elementary school teacher uses three cornerstones to build a safe community for herself and her students: getting to know parents by asking herself to dinner; working with big ideas on long-lasting projects that grab students' attention and focus their drive to belong and to communicate with their classmates; and portfolios. (SR)

Herbert Thelen's models of group inquiry and cooperative learning were used to teach the nursing process in a group clinical setting. The strategy proved efficient and effective, and students benefited by learning group process and having reduced stress. (JOW)

Describes a 15-hour staff development training program on using cooperative learning strategies in middle school classrooms and evaluates subsequent implementation of these strategies. Initial parental and teacher concerns included grading procedures, group composition and membership, and classroom arrangements and constraints. After the training…

Describes six informal diagnostic strategies (paired learning, red dot, chalkboard analysis, small-group pretesting and reteaching, answer key, and calculator computation checks) designed to help middle school students gain independence through cooperative learning activities. Corrective feedback is provided through peer discussion, limited…

Presents class activities to help elementary students learn about changes in the state of matter by making ice cream. In addition to making observations on the changes of state, students can practice measuring and identifying the properties (e.g., color, size, and shape). (SM)

Discusses the group investigation teaching model, which combines inquiry and cooperative learning. Identifies the steps of group investigation as (1) establishing a focus, identifying subtopics, and forming groups; (2) planning the investigation; (3) carrying out the investigation; (4) preparing to share; (5) sharing; and (6) evaluation. Offers an…

Describes an attempt to implement extended reading strategy instruction with preservice teachers in undergraduate reading methods courses. Describes students' use of the strategy and their reactions to it. Finds it helped them develop a better conception of comprehension and how to teach it. (SR)

Discusses cooperative learning strategies that lend themselves to working on computers. Advocates the use of learner-centered software. Describes the essential ingredients of cooperative computer lessons. (SR)

To gain insight into her students' natural styles of writing, one middle school teacher attempted to discover which students wrote notes, which developmental styles were being practiced, and how writing teachers could help. Capitalizing on students' notes to improve writing can succeed if teachers officially ban note writing and practice…

Recent study found that high-achieving African Americans ran the risk of both physical and verbal abuse from peers. With help from staff, principals can remove or weaken excellence-alienation link by raising community awareness, providing opportunities for new knowledge and skills, and offering support and resources for change. Principals must…

The strength of collaborative learning is in involving students in intellectual problem solving. In a college-level U.S. literature course at East Stroudsburg University (Pennsylvania), traditional lecture and Socratic questioning establishes background; and collaborative learning is used to help students examine the central questions about the…

Claims that students from foreign countries are sometimes the victims of negative attitudes from their composition instructors. Considers the advantages and disadvantages of working with students whose English skills are not on a level of fluency. (HB)

Describes a four-phase chemistry activity designed to offer students an opportunity to gain and practice skills in research, written and verbal communication, database creation and use, and to work as part of a problem-solving team. (ZWH)