Trickshot! is an exploratory environment that allows learners to experiment with various physical properties to develop an intuitive understanding of the behavior of objects in physical systems. The software is geared to secondary students with little exposure to pool or physics. When used in conjunction with meaningful class activities, such an…

Based on recent research and the author's site visits, this article describes six attributes characterizing an Information Age school: interactivity, self-initiated learning, a changing teacher role, media and technology specialists as central participants, continuous evaluation, and a discussion-centered classroom environment. Contact information…

Discusses self-learning exercises (SLEs) incorporated into the Medical Physiology course for first-year students at the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, GA. Twenty to thirty percent of course material is presented in these exercises instead of in lectures. The exercises develop active learning and problem-solving skills. Formal analysis…

Describes four exercises designed to help students form appropriate course expectations, recognize the need for seeking clarification when communicating, recognize the role of personal experience in building mental models, and become familiar with study aids for building formal models. Directs students' attention to a number of issues that impact…

Considers the expansion of technology curricula into elementary schools through a discussion of the value of technology studies for young children; critical dimensions of nurturing technological capacity; appropriate teaching, learning, and assessment models; and teacher preparation for teaching about technology. (SK)

Case studies of two students detail contrasting passive and active learning behaviors. Examples of strategic learning behaviors illustrate that having students involved in activities such as discussions, question answering, and seatwork problems does not automatically guarantee successful knowledge construction. The nature of a student's…

Explains how writing across the curriculum (WAC) is converging with active learning to be an effective learning strategy. Gives examples from content areas of home economics of WAC activities: assignment sequencing, audience identification, peer review, and informal writing. (SK)

Examined the role of language ideologies in the changing instructional and social organization of Khmer literacy classes, using data from research within a Cambodian community. Language ideologies engaged with local theories of learning to shape pedagogies and relations within classes. Form and function co-varied within groups and across settings.…

States that in ninety percent of colleges across the United States, some or most classrooms are wired for technology integration. Posits that to facilitate student learning and prepare students for future technological advances, instructors must use effective teaching activities that include computers. Provides a sample computer assisted history…

Discusses methods for enhancing student motivation, particularly in information literacy courses in higher education. Topics include Keller's ARCS (Attention, Relevance, Confidence, Satisfaction). motivation model; course design; teaching behaviors; teacher enthusiasm; clarity in presenting materials; interaction; active engagement; cooperative…

Describes problem based learning (PBL) as a science teaching approach that combines both school and real-world science. Explains how to design an ill-structured problem considering local, state, and national standards; finding and preparing data; implementing PBL in the classroom; and its benefits and student assessment. Includes an example of PBL…

Describes as research project that examined the types of professional development activities that best meet the needs of instructors involved in online course development. Discusses barriers that prevent instructors from participating, activities that were most helpful, and a collaborative model that allows instructors to learn actively while…

Describes a project that aims to promote a holistic study of specific environmental issues with students through interdisciplinary and multi-dimensional investigations. Uses active and participatory approaches to learning to empower students to exercise responsibility for their own lives and their environments. Contains 46 references. (JRH)

Introduces a project involving industry and school cooperation to increase students' Experimental and Investigative (Sc1) skills such as observation, measuring, reasoning, and planning investigations. (YDS)

Raises the notion of service learning, which is defined as a method of helping students develop their own learning through active participation in thoughtfully organized service experience. Explores the use of science as the curriculum and service learning as the methodology to reach students and improve science instruction. (KHR)