Australian implementation of competency-based training fails to recognize that mere competency statements are inadequate as a basis for teaching. Many vocational teachers lack sufficient background in psychology for successful implementation. Good curriculum documents can help by incorporating key research on skill learning, transfer, expertise,…

Discusses the "Art Staff" program implemented by two sister Illinois high schools that consists of a hand-picked group of students chosen for artistic performance, past and present, or by teacher recommendations. States that Art Staff gives students real-world experiences along with artistic training; their responsibilities include creating…

Describes the use of computer-supported studying as an approach to helping students with disabilities develop and apply skills needed for successful transition from secondary to postsecondary education. Vignettes of three students with learning disabilities illustrate the success of computer-supported studying. (Author/CR)

Discusses ideas and observations about the development, use, and pedagogy of computer-based case scenarios. Outlines two large computer-based case scenarios written to help students develop their skills and knowledge in business information systems. Considers factors in the design of computer-based case scenarios and related activities that might…

Describes a program developed at Winona Middle School (Minnesota) to integrate the state standard for information literacy into the curriculum. Explains the role of the school library media specialist and discusses the final product which is a student portfolio, a HyperStudio multimedia presentation that incorporates the newly acquired skills.…

Discusses Citizenship Service Learning (CSL) where students prepare immigrants for legal-status citizenship by providing English as a Second Language discussion groups, citizenship classes preparing immigrants for naturalization, and assistance with citizenship applications. Presents the Bentley Service Learning Center program that adopts the CSL…

Describes the "American Journey" series of CD-ROM archives that contains hundreds of primary sources, such as letters, diary entries, paintings, posters, and audio recordings. Addresses how to navigate and employ the documents from the archive and the CD-ROM's potential for developing historical thinking. Provides ideas for enhancing history…

Addresses the effects of an after-school computer club network, the Fifth Dimension, on children's computer knowledge development. Compares Fifth Dimension novices and "experts" who had attended several times previously. Concludes that despite the absence of formal instruction, children's knowledge about computers is enhanced. (AEF)

Basic theorizing regarding the notion of "cultural schemata" is presented as well as an analysis of how this theory impacts cross-cultural understanding in modern China. It is concluded that task-based problem-solving approaches, which have a sociocultural basis, can provide a very useful structure for developing oral language skills in…

Examines the extent to which student groups working with the Chelsea Bank computer simulation were able to use school-to-work transition skills. Results show that students demonstrated substantial involvement with workplace skills and were considerably more actively engaged with learning than studies of traditional classrooms. (Author/AEF)

Explores the preferences exhibited by 40 10- and 11-year-olds and 40 13- and 14-year-olds for rhythm patterns and scale modes used in Japanese folk songs. Reveals that bouncing rhythms appeal to Japanese elementary school children while junior high students widened their preferences to scale or melody movement, disregarding bouncing rhythm. (CMK)

Examines the pedagogical practices that four urban, African American elementary teachers used with African American students. Findings reveal teaching practices consistent with various norms espoused by African American students in a manner termed culturally relevant. Three of the major pedagogical themes are discussed: holistic instructional…

Evaluated a school-based HIV/AIDS/sexually transmitted disease (STD) education program in four Canadian provinces. Findings show that the intervention group (n=2,606 ninth graders) gained knowledge about STDs, attitudes about people with AIDS, and in condom use skills, but there were no significant differences in sexual activity or actual use of…

Teacher-librarians must prepare students to use technology and information effectively. An outline for a curriculum entitled "Computer Skills for Information Problem-Solving" is presented. Specific desired competencies are listed in the following areas: (1) task definition; (2) information-seeking strategies; (3) location and access; (4)…

Tutorial exercises developed by the author and implemented in introductory courses to clinical medicine are described. The exercises are designed to accelerate students' understanding of diagnostic reasoning, preparing them for clerkship requirements. Central components of the approach include a briefing session to establish learning objectives…