A study compared the performance of two groups of university students. One group (n=40) was taught calculus using a computer algebra system whereas the other (n=41) used paper-and-pencil computations. The computer group scored significantly higher than their counterparts on both a conceptual knowledge test and a calculus computational exam. (JJK)

Results of this study supported the belief that whole language strategies and routines used in first grade classrooms will yield scores on traditional reading standardized achievement tests that are comparable or superior to those resulting from the use of basal reader programs. (Author/IAH)

This study assessed teachers' beliefs about the effectiveness of various instructional media across a diverse set of learning situations. Subjects were 87 preservice teachers at a major northeastern university. A confirmatory factor analysis supported two latent constructs representing beliefs about traditional and technology-based instructional…

Analyzes conventional ways of teaching writing in English-as-a-Foreign-Language (EFL) classes. Current theories on teaching writing are reviewed and practical writing activities and tasks applicable to the EFL classroom are presented. (Author/VWL)

Describes a study that investigated student and instructor perceptions of the effectiveness of computer-aided presentations in a lecture-oriented undergraduate course. Traditional lecture presentations were compared with computer-aided presentations; results support the integration of computer-aided presentations provided basic logistic conditions…

Data from the 1994-95 Teacher Follow-up Survey, summarized in "What Happens in Classrooms," paint a picture of teachers' instructional practices in the early days of standards-based reform. Teachers have incorporated some recommended practices, but have not decreased their conventional practices. (SLD)

Describes a course design which tries to incorporate the investigative approach into the curriculum. Uses a project-oriented approach where students formulate questions and hypotheses and design experiments. Recommends the design for elementary school teachers who trained in science through traditional methods. (Contains 12 references.) (YDS)

Evaluates how the change in educational philosophy from progressive education to traditional methods in the United Kingdom influenced teachers' attitudes toward classroom practice by replicating a study undertaken in 1982. Reports that the findings demonstrate a significant shift towards traditional teaching styles between 1982 and 1996. (Contains…

Explores changing curricular designs and the differences between traditional and authentic learning. Identifies significant design features of authentic design, and provides examples of these features with instructional units. (AEF)

Kolb's Learning Style Inventory was completed by 29 allied health students on campus and 27 in distance education. Both groups had similar learning outcomes. Only the Diverger learning style showed a correlation between learning environment and outcome: 83% of Divergers with above average grades were in distance education. (Contains 20…

Discussion of ways to blend onsite and online staff development training focuses on teachers' continuing education needs. Considers theory, modeling, and practice, and describes a collaborative program in a rural area in Ohio that offers a combination of online learning and live instruction that allows for peer interaction and practice. (LRW)

Describes strategies used to teach mathematics to engineering students at Loughborough University (United Kingdom). Explains a combination of traditional instruction with computer assisted learning in an open learning environment that motivates students by providing a more flexible approach to be responsive to individual needs. (LRW)

Describes the development of courses at the University of Central Florida that are a mix of traditional classroom instruction and online courses. Discusses course assessment methods to help meet student needs; faculty incentives to participate in the assessment process; administrative support; and accountability. (LRW)

Reports on the extension of an experiment in which one of three teaching methods (traditional instruction, expert system, or a combination of both) was used to teach a subject. Findings demonstrate that both method of instruction and personality traits affect the development of declarative and procedural knowledge. Three tables depict study…

Introduces the course Survey of Physical Chemistry, which utilizes cooperative learning methods and aims to create a student-centered learning environment. Integrates the guided reading method into the curriculum. (YDS)