Reports on an expedition to the Galapagos Islands focusing on the flora and fauna of the environment. Examines evidence that supports the theory of evolution and related classroom activities. (DDR)

Documents the thoughts and experiences of teachers on an Earthwatch expedition to Trinidad. Describes the study of global warming, development of lesson plans, and rewards for students. (DDR)

Documents the thoughts and experiences of teachers on Earthwatch expeditions to Colorado and Michigan. Includes details of the Earthwatch program. (DDR)

Discusses four books written by teachers for other teachers that share stories of expertise, of new discoveries, of interpretations and perceptions. Argues that these stories will help new teachers feel less isolated and lonely and will help them to become better teachers and learners. (SR)

Describes how the author, a broadcasting educator, worked as a summer intern at a professional TV station in order to keep his instruction current, and to keep up on the latest stylistic and technological changes in the business. Discusses the benefits of doing so, and notes some useful information learned. (SR)

Argues that approaches to higher-education quality in Australia have focused on assurance, assessment, monitoring, and reporting of quality, not on improvement. A model for continuous improvement of higher education quality is outlined, and the central role of professional development in such a process is emphasized. (Author/MSE)

Notes the high percentage of teachers of all subjects who feel unprepared to address the needs of students from diverse cultural backgrounds. Argues that multiculturalism means viewing the classroom as a microcosm of society. Discusses J. Banks's five dimensions of multicultural education, and notes the work of the National Council of Teachers of…

Discussion of the outreach and service function of the university looks at the collaborative nature of university/community relationships, the challenge and potential for finding faculty to participate, growing faculty-development opportunities, and the university's changing responsibility in the relationship. Examples are offered from programs at…

Provides suggestions for media specialists to conduct effective and motivating professional development for teachers. Highlights include making examples that teachers can use in their classrooms, small- versus large-group instruction, providing a printed agenda and handouts, using an instructional assistant, sticking to a schedule while breaking…

Discusses the use of electronic portfolios and their assessment and describes the development of an electronic teaching portfolio Web site that can facilitate teacher development alone or in conjunction with an accompanying traditional inservice training course. Examines the educational reform movement and the new emphasis on student-centered…

Explores prospective teachers' learning to teach mathematics in the complex context of a university-based curriculum and instruction course. Concludes that the difficulties and tensions prospective teachers face in turn pose challenges and tensions for teacher educators. Contains 29 references. (Author/ASK)

Reviews the literature related to the specific needs of beginning science teachers. Features programs and practices designed to support beginning teachers. Contains 32 references. (WRM)

Describes the use and effects of a continuous program for developing the instructional skills of graduate teaching assistants at a large research university. Most of the graduate chemistry instructors had positive attitudes about the project. Makes recommendations for program content. (WRM)

In this interview, Professional Development Director Susan Loucks-Horsley explains that science teachers must experience science in new ways themselves. Topics covered include her involvement in educational improvement; pedagogical content knowledge and teaching skills; teaching teachers; successful professional development; new standards and…

Educators at the Center for Problem-Based Learning at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy examined the professional development needs of teachers of problem-based learning. Surveys of and interviews with teachers participating in partnership activities provided data on teacher role, problem-based learning's impact on students, and the…