Presents an action-oriented research account of higher-order cognitive skills (HOCS)-oriented teaching of organic chemistry to freshman and sophomore science majors in small and large classes at a relatively small and large university respectively. Finds that inquiry-oriented class discussions, students' active involvement in the learning process,…

Examines students' beliefs about knowledge, and their motivation, learning strategies, and academic performance in two instructional contexts in introductory Calculus classes. Sophistication of epistemological beliefs was positively correlated with motivation, self-efficacy, self-regulation, and grades. Students in the more active, cooperative…

Describes the implementation of student active-learning methods into sections of mainstream, introductory general-chemistry courses. Discusses strategies used, including an absolute grading scale, use of informal "ConcepTests" in lectures, cooperative learning workshops, cooperative take-home examinations, and a student advisory…

Explains integrated science and emphasizes the need for integrative conceptual themes, changes in science teacher preparation, and a focus on student motivation and active student involvement in learning. Describes Science Links, a multimedia curriculum in integrated science designed for ninth graders. (Author/LRW)

Presents an active-learning technique in which students design their studies that was found to be successful in an animal behavior laboratory course. Divides the laboratory course into three components: (1) structured and technique-oriented exercises; (2) open-ended and student-designed investigations; and (3) independent projects. Explains…

Discusses different teaching methods beginning with the least effective to the most effective and addresses some general weaknesses and strengths of each of the styles as a means of moving from the traditional mode of teaching and learning to a more active engagement with students. (CMK)

Defines the components of self-regulation ability--learners' ability to participate actively in their learning: as strategic knowledge, self-efficacy, ownership, mastery orientation, and self-reflection. Presents guidelines for promoting self-regulation ability through instructional design that incorporates these components. (AEF)

Describes how a seventh-grade teacher introduced her students to poetry by having them create performances of rhythmic poems. Describes how her students created moving performances of poems and responded to poetry with deeper and more personal insights than she had ever seen. Describes students' public poetry performances. Offers examples of…

Describes how an eighth-grade language-arts teacher teaches poetry via performance. Describes how she introduces poetry, performance, and audience. Shows how students (even non-readers and non-achievers) quickly show great eagerness to do poetry with enthusiasm, excitement, and energy; and now perform locally. Includes a poetry portfolio outline…

Describes Meridian Academy, a small alternative high school for dropouts and potential dropouts near Boise, Idaho. Discusses the school's family-like supportive environment, teaching strategies that emphasize student projects and active learning, and discipline policies and practices. Sidebar presents a Meridian Academy teacher who was once an…

Asserts the need for increased critical-thinking learning outputs via more active student learning inputs. Reviews current literature, describes the Broad Analytical Expository Report (BAER) approach to teaching critical thinking, and relates experiences in experimental general education courses at a typical regional state university. Suggests…

Teachers using a constructivist approach to learning are not invisible, as Lawrence Baines and Gregory Stanley suggest in a December 2000 "Kappan" article. Rather, they are an integral part of an active, student-centered learning process. Assisted by teachers, learners select and transform information, construct hypotheses, and make decisions.…

Discusses why the Japanese term "otaku" (an obsession with the information exchanged via computers) is preferable to the American term "geek." Discusses a set of pedagogical beliefs and practices that geeks and otaku have in common, which are the antithesis of those of the typical U.S. high school. (SR)

A change in approaches to teaching is needed, so that academics' time can be targeted to maximize learning effect. Less time needs to be devoted to the lecture, and more to learning encounters in which there is a higher formative potential. The requirement is for methods stressing active learning, in which staff and peers contribute formative and…

Develops a rationale for integrating technology with the social studies. Uses five principles of powerful teaching and learning in social studies (social studies that is meaningful, integrative, value-based, challenging, and active) as a framework to review the research literature related to social studies and technology. (CMK)