Describes a series of hands-on experiments that engage students in hypothesis testing and promotes active learning of the concepts of evolution and adaptation. Laboratory exercises demonstrate how features of the hands and eyes distinguish primates from other mammals. (SOE)

Focuses on an activity used in an introductory psychology course that enabled students (n=65) to comprehend the concepts of obedience, conformity, and social roles in the area of social psychology. Explains that the students found the activity to be helpful in understanding the role of social influence. (CMK)

Discusses how to change library information literacy classes for Generation Y students (born after 1981) to accommodate their learning styles and preferences, based on experiences at California State University, Hayward. Topics include positive outlooks toward technology; orientation toward images, not linear text; low thresholds for boredom and…

Provides a four-step process for teaching about racism: (1) the articulation of experience, (2) codification, (3) decodification, and (4) empowerment. Teaches students to describe what they see around them, define the problem, share similar experiences, question why there is a problem, and strategize what can be done about the problem. (DAJ)

Claims that the major obstacle to active learning techniques comes from students. To free class time for active learning, students must take on the responsibility for learning factual information on their own. Looks at ways to explain the benefits of active education and to orient students in this approach. (RJM)

Uses Jean Lave and Etienne Wenger's (1991) notion of learning as participation to explore processes involved in student teachers' school-based learning. Concludes learning as participation may not adequately represent the complex relationship between the newcomer and the school community of practice nor the pain and conflict inherent in becoming a…

Describes how to introduce opera to students through the use of prompting strategies. Explains that these strategies encourage active participation by students and help to improve listening skills. Focuses on prompting strategies, such as matching characters to songs, identifying, and sequencing songs. (CMK)

Discusses seven issues affecting assessment: (1) selection of texts, (2) use of oral and written assignments, (3) characteristics of grades and evaluation, (4) opportunities for self-assessment, (5) retention of learning, (6) psychology of students, and (7) the development of new tests. Suggests ways that economics faculty can improve assessment…

Describes a bingo game that focuses on sociology of the body in which students answer questions with either a yes or no as opposed to the traditional way the game is played. Explains how to construct the game and addresses practical strategies to use after the game. (CMK)

As part of a reform effort utilizing project-based learning, A Washington high school offered an interdisciplinary course on the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Students were involved in every phase of the course, and projects ranged from writing a textbook with third-grade partners to building a log building. The class canoed down the Columbia river…

Describes a mock trial focused on Jack Kevorkian and an euthanasia case that was included in a psychology and law course. Discusses the course format, provides the reactions to the mock trial by students and consultants, and includes suggestions for improving the mock trial. (CMK)

Presents a teacher's reflections about her dysfunctional classroom and ways she sought to improve it. Discusses involvement of students in building a community of learners through project activities. Emphasizes the need for students to understand the purpose of work undertaken, ways to share it with an audience, and working in a collaborative…

Certain cultural norms (high professional standards, collegiality, and questioning/experimenting attitudes) are common to self-renewing schools. To avoid the pitfalls of contrived collegiality, schools should adopt core or shared values, a common view of professional behavior, and a focus on the client. Two exemplary elementary schools in the…

Active learning in secondary physical education can facilitate the learning of class content and equip students with tools to learn independently. The article presents active learning strategies for physical education (clarification pauses, shared paragraph writing, application notes, study lecture, guided lecture, cooperative learning, and fish…

Focuses on identifying the educational effects of "activity oriented" instructional techniques. Examines which instructional methods produce enhanced learning and comprehension. Discusses the problem of learning "sorting algorithms," a major topic in every Computer Science curriculum. Presents a low-tech, hands-on teaching method for sorting…