Devised a model that hypothesized that students, in discriminating relevant information in mathematical story problems, search for values of semantic categories that match those in the problem. Two experiments assessed the validity of the model. Results indicated that the model was an accurate predictor of discrimination performance for successful…

Describes an early childhood educator's approach to teaching children about rain, rainbows, clouds, precipitation, the sun, air, and wind. Recommends ways to organize study topics and describes experiments that can help children better understand the different elements of weather. (MOK)

This article describes a multi-part approach to Shakespeare's playwriting, including his conception of comedy, his method of characterization, aspects of staging, and the status of male and females. It can accommodate all types of Shakespearean plays. "A Midsummer Night's Dream" is treated as seminal, while other plays are also…

Discusses intellectual, practical, and accountability problems of the integrated curriculum model. Notes the need for improving basic classroom instruction before reform. Argues for the potential of the basic theory of curriculum integration. (JPB)

Discusses how learners affective domain should be incorporated into development of a second and foreign language curriculum. Addresses theoretical perspectives on the application of affective characteristics into curricular design for second and foreign language teaching and undertakes practical considerations for using this approach. (Author/VWL)

This action research study examines the perspectives and voices of students in a postsecondary Japanese class through an authentic project--a pen pal letter exchange. The project's effects on student motivation and learning are analyzed through the lens of the five goals of the national standards: communication, cultures, connections, comparisons,…

Draws on the new field of mathematical study called fractal geometry. Illustrates the pervasiveness and constraining tendencies of classical geometries. Suggests that fractal geometry is a mathematical analogue to fields such as post-modernism, post-structuralism, and ecological theory. Examines how fractal geometry can complement other emergent…

Traces the development of New American Schools, a nonprofit organization created in 1991 to apply a research and development approach to the design and dissemination of models of whole-school reform. (PKP)

Details study of the decision-making process of four middle school teachers who first decided to use integrative approaches to plan their curriculum and later stopped or reduced their use of curriculum integration in favor of more traditional curriculum planning. Considers the burden of the time it takes to plan, implement, assess, and defend…

Investigated factors that motivate students to learn by interviewing six self-described underachieving middle school students and their teachers. Developed a theory for meaningful, engaged learning involving four key components: learning environment, experience, motivation, and meaning making. (JPB)

Compares two models for design--systems and user-centered--each of which embodies different values. Argues that models of technology design can be applied to the development of Web-based courses and that various forms of user-centered design embody the values most compatible with writing instruction. Presents strategies for adopting a…

Discusses the two major forms of curriculum design in Australian medical schools: the innovative approach and the traditional approach. The innovative medical school has a problem-based, student-centered community orientation and has been the curriculum of choice in the newer medical schools for meeting future challenges in medical education. The…

Suggests English teachers might draw from authors such as Carl Sagan, Arthur C. Clarke, Mary Shelly and others: (1) to knock down the walls that separate science and literature; (2) to show their interrelationship; and (3) to instill enthusiasm for the study of both. (NH)

Describes the nature, implementation, and value of a spiral curriculum in which topics of study are revisited with each successive encounter building on the previous one. (Contains 12 references.) (WRM)

This article discusses conceptual models and previous research that illuminate the complex and promising relationship between career-oriented schooling and self-determination for students with disabilities, and all students. The benefits of career-oriented schooling are highlighted, including effects on academic achievement, engagement,…