This learning module aims to engage students in problem solving, critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and cooperative learning. The module is appropriate for use in any introductory or intermediate undergraduate course that focuses on human-environment relationships. The module stresses the key principals, concepts, and problems in the emerging…

In Reading Recovery, the fostering of active learning begins immediately. The three actions children must learn to take from the beginning as teachers move into instruction are: do some reading "work" at the point of difficulty; take some initiative; and make some links between new items learned and existing knowledge. Active learners…

Since 1993, an Israeli junior high school has been conducting a regional computer communications class with a special multimedia-based curriculum. Students express what they know via text, videos, pictures, sound, and animation and demonstrate their ability to apply knowledge in research and documentary projects. Although staff encountered some…

Discussion of constructivist learning environments focuses on the concept of grounded design, a process that involves linking the practices of learning systems design with related theory and research. Topics include directed versus situated learning environments, situated cognition and anchored instruction, social constructivism and problem…

Discusses the collaboration of the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) with faculty from eight community colleges to develop an innovative curriculum for use in a one-semester general education course in biology that would reflect the recommendations of the current reform movement in science education. Discusses important issues in helping…

States that many students enroll in the introductory history survey course soley because of curricular requirements. Discusses assignments and content of the course, including topics and teaching strategies. Focuses on group activities that engage students and prompt them to participate. (CMK)

Describes the process of design and development of two Web-based training templates (i.e., a newspaper metaphor and a theater metaphor) to prompt rapid development of active learning environments. Findings suggest that design elements to support limitations of short-term memory are important considerations in template design. (MES)

In Appalachian Alabama, AlabamaREAL helps individuals, schools, and rural communities grow through hands-on entrepreneurship education. School-based businesses teach students to recognize business opportunities; encourage participatory learning; and meet the needs of small, rural communities. The Appalachian Regional Commission provides schools…

Analyzes effectiveness of learning communities (LCs), which deliberately restructure the curriculum to build a community of learners among students and faculty. Reports that, although LCs have been praised, there continues to be a lively debate among community college educators as they examine and assess how LCs might best help them serve…

Points out the importance of socioscientific aspects of laboratory activities for the development of understanding of different cultures' contributions to science. Describes a lesson on gene splicing using the 5E Learning Model. (YDS)

Focuses on the use of economic reasoning in the social studies classroom. Presents an activity to help teachers incorporate economics into social studies. Explores how the issue of slavery can be taught by focusing on the economic importance of slavery and its impact on present-day society. (CMK)

Evaluated how teacher education promoted active learning from the perspective of Finnish student teachers, teacher educators, classroom teachers, and students. Data from surveys and interviews indicated that schools and teacher education departments were in the midst of a cultural change. While there were many indicators of active learning, there…

Describes a course designed to teach students qualitative methods and to engage them in collecting data and reflecting on the experiences of students at their college. Explains that during the semester course, students spent one month engaged in participant observation followed by one month conducting qualitative interviews. (DAJ)

Describes the results of a controlled experiment that tested the effectiveness of Lord's teaching model in: (a) helping students achieve better grades on standard midterm exams; (b) developing higher level thinking skills; and (c) modifying attitudes towards biology at a large urban university. (Author/SOE)

Describes classroom-developed science and mathematics backpacks, self-contained educational packets developed around a theme or concept and designed to be completed at home. Presents generalized contents, a sample backpack on colors, and the backpack's advantages, including promotion of active learning, family involvement, curriculum integration,…