This article discusses benefits and preconditions associated with University of Northern Colorado's Preservice Elementary Science/Mathematics Project. With college faculty, on-campus teaching fellows (experienced elementary and middle school teachers) revise, deliver, and evaluate science and math content and pedagogy courses; model effective…

Thirty-four boys and 31 girls in grades 2, 4, and 6 were asked about seeking help with mathematics and reading from their parents, teachers, and classmates. Results, discussed in terms of sex and age differences, suggest that low achievers know they need help but hesitate to ask for assistance. (SLD)

Reviews the system of elementary education in the Republic of Ireland. Examines demographic data on the nature and size of school population and the organization of elementary education; describes curriculum at the junior and senior grade levels; presents research findings relating to reading, mathematics, science; and considers teacher and…

Presents suggestions to help elementary teachers organize learning centers and activities around the themes of Peter Rabbit (Grade 1), weather (Grade 3), and bees (Grade 5). Suggestions are given for activities in centers for listening/reading, language arts, computers, math, science, cooperative learning, research, and writing. (SM)

Students' perceptions of differences in teacher interaction for males and females in grades 5 through 12 were studied, and school-related attitudes, preferences, and aspirations of 132 boys were compared with those of 97 girls. Compared to girls, boys perceive inequities to a greater extent and show greater preference for mathematics and science.…

Describes a study conducted in elementary and secondary schools in Northern Ireland that assessed the impact of the use of laptop computers on academic achievement in mathematics, English, and science. Treatments for the experimental and control groups are described, and performance measures are explained. (seven references) (LRW)

Describes the problems of education in Southern and South Africa. Maintains that, although the need to incorporate the four traditions of geography into the curriculum is widely recognized, much teaching is still traditional and unimaginative, leaving students unaware of the possibilities for geography. Also offers Five suggestions for solving the…

Assesses the creative writing of 23 black seventh graders enrolled in a weekend science enrichment program to determine their thematic choice, self-expression, career interest, racial/gender identity, and evidence of parental influence and expectations. Analysis revealed few examples of racial or gender issues, but many expressed keen interest in…

Describes a "virtual" magnet school in Massachusetts for high school math and science that uses telecommunications to link students, universities, and corporate advisors. University and corporate roles are discussed, a summer institute is described, and sample research activities are included. (LRW)

A study compared the effectiveness of two methods (medium-size class instruction and large lectures with tutorial sessions) for teaching mathematics and statistics to first-year business students. Students and teachers overwhelmingly preferred the medium-size class method, which produced higher exam scores but had no significant effect on…

The School Improvement Grants Program is a British Columbia-based action research project to support efforts to raise literacy and math skills in public schools serving low-socioeconomic status neighborhoods. The program--which provides $25,000 in planning and implementation grants for each participating school over 2.5 years--began in 2001 and…

Developing mathematical talent at the elementary level is a complex issue--one that is influenced by many components. The three main factors are: (1) levels of Math giftedness; (2) teacher background; and (3) appropriate resource materials. Keeping these issues in mind and knowing that each district and, indeed, each student is unique, this…

This case study was an investigation of the role of the institutional culture of a university in the process of changing to reform-based practices for two college mathematics professors. A framework is presented for identifying and analyzing institutional norms and policies that are present and those lacking in supporting faculty efforts toward…

We are in the midst of what amounts to a national experiment in how best to attract, prepare, and retain teachers, particularly for high-poverty urban schools. Using data on students and teachers in grades 3-8, this study assesses the effects of pathways into teaching in New York City on the teacher workforce and on student achievement. We ask…

"Active learning" where students are required to do something in the classroom rather than simply listen to a lecture has been repeatedly shown to be superior to the lecture method in advancing student learning. The use of case studies in the classroom is one of the most successful active learning methods of teaching science, technology,…