Describes a project at Christopher Newport University (Virginia) in which social work faculty, practitioners, and students developed and implemented a local, college-based community service project to house the homeless. Focus is on the impact of a service learning seminar combining academic and community service work on students' prosocial…

Provides an overview of the structure and topics included in undergraduate course on Indian and Chinese history. Briefly reviews such topics as Land and People, Emergence and Evolution of Traditions, Expansion of Islam in Asia, European Imperialism, Nationalism and Independence, and Democracy and Development. (MJP)

A study compared student ratings (n=472) of course and professor before and after a faculty development workshop in lecture presentation; all other aspects of the course were kept the same, including content. Results suggest student ratings changes were affected substantially by stylistic changes in instruction, not by what students learned.…

Advocates the need for reading instruction to be a required class for all middle grade students in Indiana. Topics include decline of library usage, school organizational change, schedule changes and the shift to "language arts," time on task, questions for interviewing prospective reading teachers, a reading curriculum, useful…

Outlines several historical cases that can be used to illustrate and teach paradoxical concepts concerning democracy. For example, can an "undemocratic" action be correct (the Louisiana Purchase)? The combination of historical incident and controversy provokes a lively and challenging discussion of democratic principles. (MJP)

A study compared student learning in two sections of an introductory college biology course for nonmajors. Groups were taught in the traditional teacher-centered, lecture/laboratory format (n=86 students) and in a student-centered constructivist format (n=98). The latter group performed significantly better on the same tests, maintained a better…

This article describes a train-the-trainers course that provided training in sound instructional strategies to 10 assistive technology specialists who work with people who are visually impaired. Topics included conducting assessments, writing training proposals, developing the curriculum, planning lessons, and analyzing learning styles. All…

Provides seven library media activities that are designed for use with specific curriculum units in art, health, reading and language arts, science, and social studies. Library media skills, objectives, grade levels, instructional roles, procedures, evaluations, and follow-up are described for each activity. (LRW)

The Ann Arbor Public Schools and University of Michigan partnership created the Foundations of Science (FOS) course, designed to integrate the high school science sequence into a three-year project based upon real-life science investigations. Specially designed software, information technology, and Internet resources were utilized. Student…

Assesses the state of social work education and makes suggestions for improvement including distinguishing between specialized and professional knowledge courses; teaching interpersonal skills for working with organizations and communities; differentiating subventionary and instrumental interventions; reformulating course content on policy and…

Asserts that most research into the effects of high school economics curriculum upon performance in college level economics courses fails to consider that secondary economics education rarely teaches micro- and macroeconomic concepts. Discovers that any gap in learning between students in economics is narrowed by the first semester in college.…

Delineates a number of instructional and administrative strategies for integrating global education into the classroom. Addresses such issues as the organized opposition of some groups, the concerns of parents over subject matter and approach, lack of resources for teachers, and global education for special needs students. (MJP)

Asserts that the study and performance of religious music within an educational context is a vital and appropriate part of a comprehensive music education. Discusses various guidelines to determine if the inclusion of religious music is educational and and neutral. Briefly reviews the legal considerations. (MJP)

Provides seven fully developed library media activities that are designed for use with specific curriculum units in art, reading, language arts, science, and social studies. Library media skills, curriculum objectives, grade levels, resources, instructional roles, procedures, evaluations, and follow-up are described for each activity. (LRW)

Provides a model National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) essay examination that teachers may use to evaluate higher-order thinking among social studies high school students. Presents a constitutional issue for students to argue positions. Reports examination results from 51 classrooms. Includes essay examples and scoring rationale.…