A classwide peer tutoring program in reading, implemented at 12 elementary and middle schools in three contiguous districts in the middle of a southern state, was evaluated for its effectiveness with three learner types: low achievers with disabilities, low achievers without disabilities, and learners of average achievement. Twenty teachers…

This study examined the effect of using an outdoor nature investigation program on the ability of third-grade students to transfer knowledge. Specifically, the study determined whether the program enhanced students' ability to transfer declarative (facts and concepts), procedural (process skills), and schematic (experience) knowledge to a set of…

This study explores the combined use of concept maps and interpretive essays as a method of assessment in three mathematics courses. The primary objectives were to describe and document: (1) the use of concept maps and written essays to assess the connectedness of students' knowledge; (2) the correlation between students' scores on the concept…

A comprehensive program for dealing with some of the key factors causing school dropout is described and evaluated. The Magic of the Mind program has four basic components, each addressing one of the following: (1) building self-efficacy in students; (2) teaching students learning skills; (3) teaching stress management to the students; and (4)…

A study examined whether retention of sight vocabulary words could be increased by implementing the tactile modality to a visual, auditory, and kinesthetic based lesson. A total of 10 first-grade remedial reading students in Elizabeth, New Jersey, were assigned to control and experimental groups, with 5 students in each group. Upon completion of 7…

In its most basic form, storytelling is a process where a person (the teller), using vocalization, narrative structure, and mental imagery, communicates with the audience who also use mental imagery and, in turn, communicate back to the teller primarily through body language and facial expression in an ongoing communication cycle. Storytelling is…

A study examined the effects on political socialization of students in grades 5-6, based on teachers' use of local newspapers in classrooms throughout Argentina (except in Buenos Aires) during the 1995 school year. The newspaper program was sponsored by the Association of Dailies of the Interior Region of Argentina. Data were collected by…

This manual identifies characteristics of instructional tools that are effective and efficient in promoting cognitive access for a broad diversity of students, especially those with learning disabilities. An introductory chapter defines "instructional tools" and considers the importance of their design, their use in addressing student…

Using reflective writing throughout the composition course yields better reflective writing for composition portfolios. As writing courses make increasing use of portfolios for individual and program assessment, reflective writing will become more and more important. Brief reflective statements of as little as one paragraph, even when done as a…

This document begins with a report of a study of the learning styles of American Indian students at the Sante Fe Indian School (New Mexico). Santa Fe Indian School is a secondary school of 550 students, primarily from the Pueblo communities of New Mexico. A learning style assessment instrument was administered to 459 students, Grades 7-12, in 4…

This study investigates the development of an adaptive strategy for estimating numerosity from the theoretical perspective of strategic change. A simple estimation task was used. Participants of 3 different age groups (20 university students, 20 sixth-graders and 10 second-graders) had to estimate 100 numerosities of colored blocks presented in a…

This study organized in 2 sections examined the progress of 32 New Zealand children during their first 3 years at school. Their achievement levels in reading, mathematics, and writing were examined based on interviews with the children, their teachers, and their parents; school records; notes; and video recordings. Section 1 deals with perceptions…

This book presents a series of case studies in higher education which demonstrate how teams of academics have improved their practice, skill and conditions of learning and teaching through "action research." Action research is defined as collaborative critical enquiry by academics themselves into their own teaching practice, into problems of…

The purpose of the conference reported in these proceedings was to help enrich the field of critical thinking through the perspectives of scholars and professional practitioners in a variety of academic disciplines. The papers included in these proceedings reflect the thoughts of 49 authors representing 10 academic fields. After the presentation…

Designed for use by faculty at American River College (ARC), the four chapters of this handbook present suggestions, techniques, and resources to help teachers explore new ideas and enrich their classroom experiences. Chapter 1 contains brief descriptions by ARC faculty of successful teaching techniques, organized into the following six areas:…