Prominent school-to-work observers see a close connection between service-learning and school-to-work programs. Major components of service-learning are as follows: active student participation, thoughtfully organized experiences, focus on community needs and school/community coordination, academic curriculum integration, structured time for…

School counselors are called upon to provide many types of activities for their students. Keeping their guidance curriculum interesting and engaging is one of the most challenging parts of their jobs. Counselors are looking for active techniques that will allow them to teach their students new skills for communication, problem solving, and…

With the development of state and national achievement standards in the content areas, it is more important than ever for teachers to develop in their students effective reading behaviors, literacy skills, and study strategies that will enable them to tackle increasingly complex materials. This book features 45 literacy skill-building strategies…

This collection of teaching units developed in Australia arises from "Special Forever: An Environmental Communications Project," which enables students to develop critical awareness of their local environments and communicate this awareness effectively. The project also aims to encourage school-based action in support of the environment…

Based on the understanding that writing should not be confined to the language arts classroom, this book provides over 200 examples of how 12 different strategies can be used in kindergarten through high school classrooms. The writing strategies in the book demonstrate how writing can also be employed as a powerful tool for processing new…

One way of making scientific concepts more accessible to students is to use active approaches, such as drama, in the classroom. The study reported in this paper evaluates the use of three dramatic improvisations performed by second year undergraduate students to improve their understanding of the generation and supply of electricity. Student…

This study investigated the effects of a self-questioning intervention for Israeli kindergartners. Researchers used theory-based interventions (active processing and metacognitive intervention) and traditional methods to facilitate questioning, story comprehension, and self-directed learning. Theory-based training proved to be the most…

Fostering resilience does not require elementary teachers to overburden the curriculum. Research shows that resiliency-fostering experiences occur when children are involved in assessing their own work and setting goals, participate in developing standards for work and classroom life, have opportunities to collaborate and make choices, participate…

The longitudinal High Scope/Perry Preschool Study of 123 African Americans in poverty and at high risk of school failure interviewed 95% of participants at age 27. Profiles indicate that participants had fewer criminal arrests, higher earnings and property wealth, and greater commitment to marriage than nonparticipants, suggesting significant…

In a mountaineering role-playing project in Quebec schools, participating students, in groups of five, must cooperate and use the different skills acquired across the whole curriculum to overcome difficulties and attain success. The students plan a simulated mountain-climbing expedition, solve problems, and cope with various crises. (TD)

Discusses a game in which students must guess the flavor of LifeSaver candy without the aid of sight and smell. Explains that this demonstration assists students to understand the phenomenon of random occurrences. Describes how the presentation is conducted as well as the outcomes of the demonstration. (CMK)

Presents activities to help students gain understanding about auditory perception. Describes demonstrations that cover topics, such as sound localization, wave cancellation, frequency/pitch variation, and the influence of media on sound propagation. (CMK)

Discusses active learning as a technique to improve learning outcomes; describes the background and history of problem-based learning, explaining why information skills are an integral part; and relates the experiences of librarians at Purdue University in forming collaborations with subject faculty and in the development of problem-based learning…

Discusses Project CHILD (Computers Helping Instruction and Learning Development), a program promoting active learning and the integration of technology with learning stations. First piloted in Florida in 1991 and adopted by 57 schools, the project's success has been ensured by documentation, updates, encouragement, and support. Describes a day in…

Examines the design of a graduate-level unit of instruction for distance education via the Internet. Discusses the analysis, design, development, and formative evaluation of the interactive World Wide Web site, illustrating how models and theories of human learning (including active learning) and instructional design were used. (Author/LRW)