Presents a variety of innovative, inexpensive, and effective uses for photography that have been seen in elementary and secondary school classrooms. Activities in four areas are included: curriculum enhancement in literature, writing, science, social studies, and art; problem solving, critical thinking, and creativity; school public relations; and…

Provides eight fully developed library media activities that are designed for use with specific curriculum units in art, science, mathematics, reading, language arts, and social studies. Library media skills, curriculum objectives, grade levels, resources, instructional roles, procedures, evaluation, and follow-up are described for each activity.…

Describes PODIUM, an educational software application that serves as a user interface to IBM's multimedia hardware. Faculty lecture outlines using IBM's InfoWindow and Audio Visual Connection (AVC) are explained for the fields of science, mathematics, music, and art, and a facility at the University of Delaware for using multimedia is described.…

Describes two computer programs for chemistry: (1) "A Microcomputer Simulation of Fractal Electrodeposition" (provides for the study of fractal aggregrates, BASIC 4.0); and (2) "Counters on Grids" (a game to illustrate the distribution of energy). Notes the programs are available from the authors. (MVL)

Reports on a study of the impact of nursery school/preschool education on primary school readiness and achievement of 1,800 English and Welsh children. Finds significant positive effects in reading, writing, mathematics, and science. Discusses the effects of nursery school versus playgroup experience and the role of socioeconomic status. (CFR)

Five articles offer suggestions for hands-on map making, creative writing instruction in productive environments, assessment of students' number sense, performance assessment for reading, and integrating science and art to celebrate the beauty of autumn leaves. (SM)

Development and implementation of a holistic method for scoring writing assignments in a college general education chemistry course are described. The system included assessment of discrete elements in the paper's focus, appearance, content, and structure according to specific criteria. The approach saved considerable scoring time and enhanced…

The instructor of a university organic chemistry course describes how he has incorporated ideas about student motivation and self-regulated learning into his instruction. Specific strategies for active and Socratic learning and instruction are outlined, from modeling and classroom interaction to use of instructional materials, testing, and…

Three cases of use of collaborative learning techniques in the college classroom are described: a developmental mathematics course, a graduate-level writing project, and college science instruction. Each case includes description of specific class activities and assignments, results, and teacher concerns and comments. (MSE)

Maintains that sociology was founded in the 19th century as a discipline for the scientific study of social order. Contends that the discipline has been attacked by both liberals and conservatives. Argues that teaching sociology as a laboratory science is the best way to improve the discipline's professional and public image. (CFR)

Describes a study that compared the effects of cooperative and individual learning on fifth and sixth grade student performance and attitudes during interactive videodisc instruction for science. The use of heterogeneous ability groups is discussed, time on task is examined, and further research is suggested. (22 references) (LRW)

Describes the development of a video for science instruction to be used for inservice teacher training in a distance education program in Italy. Production of the video by teachers, a scientist, and a professional production team is described; pupil activities are explained; and editing and evaluation of the video are discussed. (four references)…

Describes three perspectives from which middle school teachers can plan laboratory activities for the purpose of improving students' scientific literacy. Perspectives are the learning cycle approach categorizing activities by stages of development; problem-solving skills approach categorizing activities according to the amount of teacher control;…

Study examined science methods courses and characteristics of instructors (n=65). Of the responding institutions, 24% had only a general methods course. Most science methods courses were for three credits. Instructors were mainly male with an average age of 50 years. Differences were found between three groups of faculty teaching science methods:…

Describes a study conducted in elementary and secondary schools in Northern Ireland that assessed the impact of the use of laptop computers on academic achievement in mathematics, English, and science. Treatments for the experimental and control groups are described, and performance measures are explained. (seven references) (LRW)