Reviews research on impact assessment of libraries and considers potentially useful methodologies for measuring the impact of university libraries, i.e., how library use affects students' academic performance. Topics discussed include categories of library use, purposes of library use, and indicators of library impact. The user panel methodology…

Contrasts feminist pedagogy, which recognizes the power and creative potential of heterogeneity and which transfers authority to the students, to traditional, hierarchical methods used in general education programs. Argues that general education reforms based on feminist pedagogy can lead to networks of learning experiences for participants. (DMM)

Examines the development and administration of the New Jersey General Intellectual Skills (GIS) Assessment, administered for the first time in 1990 at all public colleges and universities in the state. Describes the GIS's scope and function, scoring procedures, score reporting, faculty expectations, and initial results. (DMM)

This article defines and presents a rationale for problem-based learning in science teaching. The process of problem-based learning is outlined and its benefits explored. The use of problem-based learning in the classroom is illustrated to support it as a feasible teaching strategy for secondary school science. (Author/PR)

Proposes a teaching model to teach mathematics represented as a triad of three components: (1) management of learning; (2) mathematical challenge; and (3) sensitivity to students. Describes the three components and relates them to a constructivist perspective of learning. (MDH)

Describes numerical differentiation and the central difference formula in numerical analysis. Presents three computer programs that approximate the first derivative of a function utilizing the central difference formula. Analyzes conditions under which the approximation formula is exact. (MDH)

Lays out an agenda for developing assessment tools and researching their effectiveness. Series of design tasks is proposed, with related research questions. Needed theoretical research includes studies of the effects of alternative assessment on policy and practice as well as the development of new psychometric techniques. Influences of new…

Shares a coded version of the number line to provide concrete experiences for learning abstract concepts. Using the fundamental theorem of arithmetic, appropriate coded symbols are determined for the prime factorization of each natural number and used to study the concepts of greatest common divisor, least common multiple, square roots, and…

Discusses the work and philosophy of Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori. Examines her belief in students' need to exercise correct thinking through sensory experience. Describes Montessori's views on the development of children's moral values through interaction. Identifies the upbringer's role as the active supervisor of children's…

Reports results of a study of the ways in which undergraduate and graduate music majors evaluated the teaching methods of graduate associate music instructors. Reports that evaluators gave instructors high marks for characteristics including enthusiasm, interest in the student, and patience. Concludes that untrained evaluators can reliably analyze…

Reports a study of preservice physical educators' acquisition of knowledge of a nontraditional movement approach to physical education. Interviews and field observations indicated that before student teaching their knowledge of deeper content objectives was weak. In early field experiences, students attended to aspects of the approach relevant to…

Formulae for estimating individual rater reliabilities from analysis of treatment effects are presented and evaluated. Monte Carlo methods illustrate the formulae. Results indicate that large sample sizes, large true treatment effects, and large differences in the actual reliabilities of raters are required for the approach to be useful. (SLD)

Describes a successful adaptation of Marie Clay's intensive one-on-one reading intervention approach for a disabled reader at the middle school level. Discusses components of the instructional plan. Presents guidelines for literacy instruction for remedial readers. (SR)

Presents suggestions from 4 teachers on (1) the benefits accrued over 9 years of a visiting authors program at a middle school; (2) using 60-second synopses for better concentration; (3) structured overviews for teaching science concepts and terms; and (4) how musicians see writing differently. (SR)

Teachers who recognize the value of working together can put their belief into practice through the use of collaboration and cooperative learning methods. Lists 19 characteristics of a well-functioning and collaborative team. (MLF)