Points out that second-language learners, females, low-income students, and students of color sometimes experience difficulties and struggle with science instruction. Describes the interactive lecture in which students use critical thinking skills and suggests possible techniques that teachers can use when conducting an interactive lecture. (YDS)

Explains how to use multiple intelligences in science instruction in inquiry classrooms. Describes using touch and movement, music and rhythm, visualization, interpersonal intelligence, and multiple approaches in science teaching. (YDS)

Analyzed peer interactions in high school students practicing a swimming skill, examining potential dyad type-by- gender differences in peer interaction modes (guidance-tutoring, imitation, cooperation, and parallel activity). Students trained in symmetrical (same competence) or asymmetrical (different competence) same-sex dyads. Tutoring and…

Presents an investigative study in an introductory college-level microbiology course in which students work in teams to assess the bacteriological safety of a vermicompost facility on campus. (SOE)

Examines online discussions using lexical scoring techniques. Suggests that online conversations become more sophisticated as learners interact with each other over the duration of a course, that collaboration among learners fosters the social construction of knowledge and that evidence of such knowledge-building activities is embodied in the tone…

Discusses the need for moving beyond mere information seeking and acquisition to a critical thinking and problem solving approach. Highlights include the Deweyan emphasis on reflection and deliberation; knowledge creation as a shared endeavor; and the art of communicating meaning through intelligently guided inquiry and carefully crafted language.…

Argues that doing and learning science are not the same thing. Suggests strategies involving active learning of a nonpractical nature which encourage discussion of science by children working in small groups. Presents examples of less familiar practical alternatives. (JRH)

Describes the development and implementation of a professional development program extending through the school year to help teachers prepare for the state's upcoming portfolio mandate. Describes a powerful collaborative model of professional development that recognizes the value inherent in the shared learning that occurs when divergent…

Reports on a study that examines the planning and revising of ninth-grade coauthors to determine how collaborative writing socializes and impacts the writing process. Finds that the students' writing processes tended to resemble those of more expert writers--planning, composing, and revising collapsed into a truly recursive process. (TB)

Describes a theater course which engages senior high school students, through a series of units, in the creation and staging of an original script for young children. Lists the units: (1) creation of the script; (2) rehearsal and pre-production; and (3) production. Enumerates the students' responsibilities and reflects on the collaborative…

Offers suggestions for developing creative instructional approaches in time-blocked classes. Teachers should continuously engage students in active learning, include group activities to encourage student participation, incorporate activities addressing multiple intelligences, use creative thinking activities, move outside the classroom, employ…

Describes the Engineering Link Project for Year 11 students that might have an interest in engineering. It is a three-day course organized by teachers and conducted by engineers to give students the opportunity to test materials, design, construct, and try their own solutions to an engineering problem. (AIM)

Describes the Dream Vacation project, part of the Tech Prep Applied Communications curriculum for high school students, which is carried out in collaborative teams. Shows how the project integrates the language arts while developing communication, technical writing, and performance skills. Notes that the project uses and develops students'…

Considers how teachers can use linguistic diversity for inclusion and learning experiences in collaborative, cross-age literacy projects. Envisions a project that would extend the principles of collaboration across different age groups. Addresses the larger literacy issues that are entwined with cross-age, multicultural collaborative learning…

Reports an investigation of the outcomes of a Peer Support scheme for the students who are supported. Attendance at Peer Support sessions was positively and significantly correlated to academic performance; however, students who attended sessions adopted less meaning oriented approaches to studying over the course of the year. Results suggest the…