The effects of a teaching program in probability devised for students in grades five to seven were analyzed. Most of the notions were too difficult for fifth graders; 60-70 percent of the sixth graders and 80-90 percent of the seventh graders were able to understand and use correctly most of the concepts. (MNS)

Recent meta-analyses and other studies of media's influence on learning are reviewed. Consistent evidence is found for the generalization that there are no learning benefits to be gained from employing any specific medium to deliver instruction. Problems and suggestions concerning current media attribute and symbol system theories are described.…

Approaches to categorizing types of adaptive response are developed, these types are explained, and the consequences for individual institutions of responses made and not made are assessed. The extent of substantive change are associated with institutional type as reflected in the Carnegie Classification System. (MLW)

Suggesting using the cockroach as a free resource to teach students lessons on population dynamics and habitat management that apply to all wildlife. Presents suggestions on how and where to locate and trap cockroaches. Emphasizes the importance of controlling their population without using dangerous pesticides. (BC)

Suggests making insect models to learn more about the world of insects. List of materials needed and recommended procedures are provided. Also suggests other interdisciplinary activities for investigating insects in the classroom, including the preparation of an insect zoo using the student-constructed models. (BC)

Discusses types of mass media suitable for use in science classrooms. Types of media, limitations, and instructional strategies are provided. Also provided are three case studies illustrating their use. Comments on making media available to students and an annotated list of several resources are included. (JN)

Archimedes' shoemaker's knife problem is interesting in its own right and also allows the demonstration of heuristic teaching ideas and a different method of doing a routine construction. The focus in the article is on the thought processes involved and questions asked when attempting proofs with the problem. (MNS)

Lowenfeld enjoined teachers never to permit children to copy art works because children's art was such a crucial part of the self. Yet by rejecting all copying, one can place too great a value on novelty and miss the essence of Lowenfeld's emphasis on the individual child's experience. (IS)

Specific ways in which social studies teachers can increase opportunities for students to write without increasing their own often-incredible paper loads are suggested. These include the holistic scoring of essay tests, read-around-groups, and student journals. (RM)

Integrating computer technology into teacher education programs can have several outcomes: (1) it can acquaint preservice teachers with the capabilities of computer programs; (2) the programs can supplement or become the basis for curriculum; and (3) the programs can serve as effective models of teaching strategies. (CJB)

A practical model is described for increasing teacher participation in action research by developing necessary research skills, providing assistance, and encouraging and rewarding research activity. (DF)

Students' personal responses to literature provide the focus that makes a reading curriculum effective. Teachers can create a classroom that instills positive attitudes towards reading by providing a variety of reading materials, encouraging students to share responses, and by not using literature as a camouflage for teaching reading skills. (DF)

Discusses the curriculum design and instructional goals of an undergraduate urban anthropology service course with a heterogeneous student composition. Compares the pedagogical techniques used with Bruner's theory of instruction. (CJM)

Discusses pros and cons of "personal anthropology" as a teaching tool for university students, particularly in a small town. Reviews the social history of "city forming" and "city maintaining" processes in Oswego, NY, and illustrates how beginning undergraduates can study these processes. (CJM)

Reviews the "risks" and "benefits" inherent in the field-oriented urban anthropology courses described in the preceding articles and recommends the development of more long-term large-scale research projects within such courses. (CJM)