Defines "Theme Study" with three essential elements: use of broad, powerful ideas; inquiry-based approaches to curricula; and a community of inquiry of students and teacher. Shares experiences in applying these elements and discusses essential aspects of classroom instruction. (DSK)

Discusses how all children must learn to work to overcome a difficulty, take initiative, and make links with what they already know. Illustrates these actions with instructional interactions in kindergarten and first-grade classrooms. Notes how teachers can establish a pattern of expectations. Outlines ways teachers can foster active learning, and…

Points out the importance of communication between science students and scientists and explains the benefits of introducing primary literature into biology education. (YDS)

Examines the effects of investigative, open-ended, and inquiry-based labs on students' ability to ask high-level and open-ended questions. Recommends combining direct instruction in questioning with increased background information to improve students' questions. (Contains 19 references.) (YDS)

Recognizes the desire to discuss current environmental issues as a significant learning motive. Describes a course in which a student debates facilitate learning. A student moderator conducts debates between two groups of students, and the debates are organized using lecture material, internet searches, numerical analysis, and research projects.…

Examines the importance of teaching for active learning. Describes teaching an interactive chemistry course to help students internalize their learning. Changes from a textbook teaching approach to an interactive learning experience. (SAH)

Introduces an inquiry-based unit in which students investigate characteristic environmental changes during outdoor activities. Integrates technology with data analysis, virtual field trips, and multimedia projects. Focuses on Content Standard A of the National Science Education Standards (NSES). (YDS)

Discusses connections between global education and interdisciplinary teaching and learning, cooperative learning, active learning, and authentic assessment at the middle school level. Considers differences between multicultural education and the broader scope of global education to include international events and interactions among cultures…

The authors describe and evaluate quality assessment methods in a health care course that utilized web technology and various active learning strategies. The course was judged successful by student performance, evaluations and student assessments. The instructors were pleased with the outcomes achieved and the educational pedagogy used for this…

Discusses the correspondence between constructivist design and the creation of multimedia projects. Argues that if students and teachers are exposed to multimedia presentations and are offered opportunities to participate in workshops or classroom activities using multimedia technology, those with interest will use it to demonstrate content area…

Describes a project that integrates active learning into service learning targeting both college students and middle schools students wherein college students perform chemical demonstrations for middle school students. (YDS)

Describes the application of Internet technologies for collaboration of globally distributed college student teams working on real-world case problems. Discusses project goals, including giving students a real-world collaborative experience; being active participants; providing a global learning experience; and using several different types of…

Explores how science could be better taught at the undergraduate level, particularly the incorporation of active learning and an interdisciplinary approach, and the role of learning communities in improving science instruction. (EV)

Describes an exercise in which students analyze architectural barriers in campus buildings to understand that people with disabilities are excluded from everyday social interaction. States that through the active learning exercise students link their experiential understanding of environmental obstacles with theories and concepts about conformity…

Today's best constructivist teaching reflects the legacies of educational visionaries such as John Dewey, Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, Reuven Feuerstein, Howard Gardner, and Marian Diamond. Creative cognitive designs stem from three essential elements: creative teaching genius, excellent instructional methods, and expansive, interconnective…