In computer-based simulations, students must bring a wide range of relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities to bear jointly as they solve meaningful problems in a learning domain. To function effectively as an assessment, a simulation system must additionally be able to evoke and interpret observable evidence about targeted knowledge in a manner…

This paper presents an overview of the theory of situated cognition by providing its origin, a listing of its main principles and then discussing in detail the principles of, authentic learning environments, legitimate peripheral participation, and assessment. It also provides two examples of the application of situated cognition principles. The…

This guide to developing literacy skills with deaf and hard of hearing children stresses the flexible use of various methods based on the needs of individual children. The paper begins by examining selected methods and approaches to literacy instruction, citing ways that these might or might not benefit students depending upon implementation. This…

This Technical Paper focuses on principles for teaching problem solving. Part 1 addresses the need to teach problem solving. Part 2 defines problem solving skills, and describes: general problem solving models of the 1960s and 1970s, current problem solving models, declarative knowledge, mental models, expert versus novice knowledge, procedural…

Although most educators agree that the primary goal of education is student achievement, many believe that this goal has become incongruent with the way that educational institutions function. Community college professionals, in particular, have taken the lead in proposing a new paradigm of learning for the educational process. This digest will…

A vigorous debate within the U.S. Catholic community questions the efficacy of Catholic schools. To explicate what many Catholics believe is the most appropriate educational program for youth, the educational philosophy, history, and theology of Catholic education are presented here. It is hoped that by isolating these principles, those who…

Administrators and board members often wonder how their respective governing bodies measure up to others. To help them gauge their success, some benchmarks that diocesan, elementary and secondary school boards, commissions, and councils can use are presented here. The information was gathered through surveys, the results of which are coupled with…

This fastback document presents the results of an opinion survey of middle-school students, parents, and teachers in South Carolina. Because no surveys in the literature had combined responses from these three groups, researchers asked 4,940 students, 735 teachers, and 2,576 parents about their attitudes toward school, students, and teachers. The…

This book provides some real-world examples of portfolios that have been used for programmatic purposes. It then draws upon those examples to create a framework for thinking about educational systems and the roles that portfolios might play in them. Following the preface, the book contains 10 chapters. The first chapter provides definitions for…

This booklet contains the reflections of a lifelong educator. It examines American education over the last 35 years and focuses on those conditions that have most influenced education in the United States. The text opens with an analysis of the family, followed by a discussion of various legislative initiatives that were intended to nurture all…

This report is based, in part, on a conference that examined the implications of virtual schools for public education. It also draws on other studies of online education to highlight issues that policymakers should consider when developing virtual schools. The document presents three major findings: (1) Virtual schools are an important tool for…

Noting that the recent interest in gardening with young children has resulted in a variety of programs but little support to teachers or horticulturists on how to understand the developmental needs of children and how to adapt gardening activities to those needs, this paper presents principles and goals of developmentally appropriate gardening.…

The literature abounds with information about peer tutoring and the benefits that it can bring to student learning. This case study sought to explore ways of using peer tutoring to enhance the learning experience of a group of higher education students in a multimedia course, who had access to learning resources in an online environment. It…

This paper addresses ethical issues in the inclusion of children with disabilities in general education programs and reports on interviews with 11 female elementary school teachers in four states. Interviews examined teachers' reflections on the moral aspects of four inclusionary scenarios and their bases, including those based on law and rights,…

The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) aims to increase participation in recreational boating and fishing and thereby increase public awareness, appreciation, and stewardship of aquatic natural resources. This document contains a summary and 11 commissioned papers from an RBFF workshop to create guidelines for best educational…