This study explores the use of design technology to teach a unit on poetry in a fifth grade class. The main goals of the poetry unit were to develop students' abilities to use their own creative voices to express themselves and to write descriptive poetry that creates detailed images for the reader. This unit was implemented in a fifth grade class…

The purpose of this study was to discover ways in which a music educator can incorporate students with special needs in a music classroom. Music educators seek ways to manage and incorporate these students in the classroom environment. The research question guiding this action research study was: how are students with special needs incorporated in…

"Excelsior: Leadership in Teaching and Learning" provides a forum to explore issues related to teaching and learning at public and independent colleges and universities with programs in teacher preparation. "Excelsior" solicits original, thought-provoking manuscripts of various formats, including papers presenting research on issues and practices…

The book describes one teacher's study of student journal writing in college-level English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) instruction and explores the potential of student journals in second language teaching. It first introduces the research questions and methods guiding the study, then reviews the literature that informed the investigation of mental…

This paper describes a program initiated by teacher-researchers to increase the use and knowledge of appropriate social skills with junior high school students while working in academic cooperative groups. The target groups comprised sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students in a predominantly middle class community in the Midwest. The students'…

This action research project evaluated the effectiveness of a program to enhance students' social skills with peers. The targeted population was comprised of elementary and junior high school students in an economically diverse, predominantly blue collar community in central Illinois. The problem of inability to problem solve, listen actively,…

A teacher's journal reflects her experience of designing and teaching writing courses at a Massachusetts alternative high school for high-risk students, her experience of using writing for personal healing, and the resistance she encountered when encouraging students to use writing as a means for personal growth and overcoming trauma. (LP)

Recounts a portfolio writing assignment designed to help students develop better study skills, increase metacognitive awareness, and use self-reflection to evaluate their performance during the semester. Students completed surveys and journal entries assessing their strategies for reading and studying, as well as, performance goals, emotional…

Examines how a literature-based reading workshop incorporating minilessons, sustained silent reading, and responses to literature in dialogue journals affected the reading attitudes and levels of book involvement of learning disabled middle school students. Finds clear demonstration that students' reading attitudes and involvement improved. (RS)

A program that brings together students entering demanding professions (law, medicine, and nursing) to explore issues of ethics and professionalism is described. The course uses thought-provoking stories, classroom discussion, student journals, and collaborative teaching. Lessons learned from teaching the course a number of times are also…

A course in academic writing for international graduate students at Flinders University of South Australia was found to enhance students' written expression and structure. However, participants continued to produce high error rates in grammar and show weakness in developing an argument. Journal entries suggest participants began with…

Professionals in training may use the tension between classroom-based learning and practica or field experiences if journal narratives are used to: (1) provide a basis for professional conversations between learner and instructor; (2) conceptualize that relationship as between a mentor and advisee; (3) articulate the relationship between theory…

Discusses ways school library media specialists and teachers can change themselves to adjust to a changing world and meet its challenges constructively. Aspects addressed include self-concept and self-knowledge; listening, assertion, and conflict resolution skills; self-exploration; and emotional understanding through journal writing and the…

This paper describes (1) the role of reflection in learning and teaching as presented at a Philippines-Australia Science and Mathematics Education Project training program; (2) the use of writing as a tool for reflection; and (3) examples of teacher reactions to the training on reflection. (25 references) (MDH)

Describes "Student Journal," an electronic writing tool for journals that uses the Macintosh HyperCard and accommodates three different kinds of journal entries--student teacher, cooperating teacher, and supervising teacher. Includes samples of representative entries and a discussion of their value. (SM)