Discusses the problems faced by teachers of third-year (i.e. advanced) Italian language courses, particularly in developing students' speaking skills. Stresses the importance of "real talk" and discusses relevant student activities such as interviewing native speakers, preparing live radio broadcasts, and videotaping students speeches and…

Describes a course developed at the University of Southern Queensland (Australia) that used problem-based learning within a computer-supported collaborative environment to give undergraduate nursing students practice in developing decision-making skills. The use of computer-mediated communication is also discussed. (LRW)

Describes "FLIP IT," a process developed to help a seventh-grade class succeed at information problem solving by analyzing and defining the research process. Explains the mnemonic, FLIP IT, as focusing on the topic, locating appropriate resources, investigating and implementing the information, and producing results while using intelligent…

Addresses geography students' questions about why, when, and how to take notes. Outlines a step-by-step process for taking notes from written sources and from class lectures. Discusses what types of notes are appropriate for various types of sources. Suggests some ideas for making notes useful for individual learning styles. (DSK)

A project involved employers in the development of teamwork skills of undergraduate accounting students, with the aims of increasing student awareness of group dynamics and processes, and promoting more effective group work. Employers observed students working in small groups and provided feedback on skills. Students, staff, and employers were…

Argues that while the best method for measuring "value added" to skills (e.g., critical and communication skills) by the university experience is through longitudinal analyses using both subjective and objective measures of skills with appropriate control groups, a more feasible strategy used at York University (Ontario) compares the…

Studied the development of writing skills as a way to raise academic achievement for four year-6 ethnic minority students in an English classroom. Identifies strategies that increased achievement and confidence of students and parent participation in their schooling. (SLD)

Describes the Key Skills, which will be established across the revised National Curriculum being introduced by the British government in September 2000. Discusses ways in which the Key Skills--communication, information and communication technology, application of number, problem solving, working with others, and improving own learning and…

Describes a study that investigated how bibliographic instruction in Canadian academic libraries is evolving to meet the users' needs for information-literacy skills in light of electronic technologies and their effects on information retrieval. Discusses the teaching of critical evaluation and research strategies and the incorporation of more…

Presents ways teachers and caregivers of young children can provide opportunities to promote listening skills in the classroom. Focuses on obtaining children's attention, using group time effectively, identifying different sounds, using music and rhythm activities, and using rhymes and letter sounds. (KB)

Identifies the essential features of critical inquiry and shows how it differs from the critical procedures often recommended by educators. Explains the implications of the inquiry process for teaching criticism. Provides a model of critical-inquiry instruction by suggesting three basic instructional strategies for teachers and describing an…

Discusses the integration of multimedia into the classroom and suggests group work for high school multimedia projects to encourage students to learn how to work with others and to develop leadership skills, organizational skills, and basic mentoring skills. Provides guidelines for groups. (LRW)

Discusses the Kentucky Principal Internship Program, a collaboration between the Jefferson County Public School District and the University of Louisville. Development programs include a Principals for Tomorrow internship program, administrator skills and leadership seminars, technology awareness sessions, and an IDEAS certification enrollment…

Contends that the length of time music students practice does not guarantee improvement, but instead students should focus on how they practice in order to improve their skills. Finds that critical thinking activities, such as selecting goals, planning, and evaluating, provide students with the opportunity for improving their practice techniques.…

Explores the nature of political polling describing various kinds of polls, when the polls are used, and other external factors affecting polling in political campaigns. Provides three lessons to help students understand and develop skills related to polling as preparation for their roles as citizens in a democracy. (CMK)