Outlines a comprehensive political science final examination that covers the wide range of material found in introductory courses. The final examination consists of a single question that asks students to propose a solution to a major social problem. Their answer must incorporate political ideology, economic impact, and media representation. (MJP)

Provides an overview, guidelines, and specific suggestions for introducing economic thinking to elementary school children. Utilizes examples from US history (buffalo hunting, cattle farming) to illustrate economic concepts. Includes an appendix that frames economic concepts as mysteries with clues (and answers) provided. (MJP)

Experienced undergraduate students served as Peer Learning Assistants (PLAs) to facilitate group process and dynamics in cooperative learning groups. Use of this model in large classes (150 students) resulted in significant improvement in group performance and satisfaction with group experience. PLAs defused conflict within groups, and faculty…

Encourages educators to address the following issues related to the use of technology: (1) role of teacher evaluation; (2) benefits of appropriate use; (3) integration into learning environment; (4) equitable access, especially for children with special needs; (5) stereotyping and violence in software; (6) role of teachers and parents as…

Describes the Consortium for Distance University, founded in 1984 to establish a distance teaching university system in Italy. The Consortium is comprised of multinational companies, universities, and semi-governmental organizations with support from the Italian Ministry of Education. Discusses its objectives, services, history, learning…

Discusses the use of MOOs (Multi-User Dimension/Dungeon Object Oriented), text-based virtual reality environments, in education. Highlights include connecting to a network; exploring several MOOs to determine which is most appropriate; and familiarizing students with the MOO's interaction and behavior policies, as well as how to operate in the…

Maintains that autobiography, as a form of qualitative research methodology, has the ability to incorporate a deep sense of the intricate relationships of the meaning and process of artistic practice and its embeddedness in cultural influences, personal experiences, and aspirations. Provides specific examples of how to use autobiographical…

Recommends using "Readers' Theater" as an interdisciplinary approach to social studies. Maintains that the format lends itself to the examination of social issues and current events while it provides opportunities for a variety of learning styles. Briefly discusses Jan Truss' book, "A Very Small Rebellion." (MJP)

Advocates the systematic integration of preschool and primary education and the development of special training for teachers at that level. Outlines the goals and objectives for each year of study for this teacher education program. Discusses the child development theories inherent in the instruction. (MJP)

Describes and evaluates televised lectures that were added to a geography course to accommodate classroom overflow. Comparisons of academic performance between attendees of the live lectures and the broadcast audience revealed no significant difference. Survey questionnaires indicate that students felt the televised method to be valuable. (MJP)

Presents a lesson plan that uses subordinating conjunctions and prepositions as "magic words." After a lesson or unit of study, students write content specific sentences using the "magic" conjunctions and prepositions. This activity serves as a unit review, helps with concept formation, and increases writing skills. (MJP)

Outlines issues concerning families of children with severe behavioral and emotional disorders in a time of school reform. Reviews family participation in education and system change and enumerates principles of family participation. Discusses families' expanded roles and opportunities ranging from the individual student/family level up to the…

The effects of peer coaching on teachers' acclimation of an integrated instructional approach was investigated, with emphasis on the impact on teacher and student outcomes. Elementary teachers planned and conducted activities alone, then with peer coaches, then alone. More procedural changes occurred during peer coaching than in the initial…

Describes the introduction of the Patchwork Text in a Masters-level research methods course at Ashcroft International Business School at Anglia Polytechnic University (United Kingdom). Evaluates Patchwork in light of whether it met three objectives: helping students achieve a coherent grasp of the research process; helping students develop the…

Describes corporate-derived teaching strategy called lesson study wherein teachers work to develop lessons, observe each other teaching lessons to see how they work, and then suggest lesson refinements. Provides examples of corporate change efforts (one successful, one not) and implications thereof for education. Evaluates two lesson-study…