When properly employed, technology may enhance and support learning opportunities available to any student, at any location, and at any time. Determining which instructional and delivery methods are best for a specific individual, group of students, community, or circumstance demands that high-quality data be available to students, parents,…

National and state assessments have produced an abundance of data regarding the strengths and weaknesses of student achievement. However, to date, little has been written to guide educators regarding the use of these data to increase student achievement. This practical guide will provide educators with a step-by-step process for gathering and…

A technique used in an undergraduate psychology class to reduce student incentives to fake data as they undertook a research project concerning marriage relationships is described. An evaluation of the technique suggested that it works. (RM)

Building a railroad or writing about it in class takes a lot of organization. (Editor)

Techniques are presented to teach students with severe and multiple handicaps to record their performance data using adapted mechanical or electronic counting devices such as calculators. Described are the purposes of self-recording, materials needed, training guidelines, and evaluation procedures. (JDD)

Describes an inquiry activity in which students explore the variables that influence the amount of time it takes a ball to roll down an inclined plane. Relates features of the activity to recommendations in the NCTM Standards. (MKR)

Furniture, clothing, and even the candy dish help amateur archaeologists uncover the "facts" through hands on experience. (Editor)

Considers the use of personal information given by students to teach about understanding and appreciation of data analysis in college sociology courses. Students are directed to describe their personal style by a five step process: simple measurement of personal characteristics, recoding and indexing, quantifying a dimension, discussing recoding…

Social studies instruction using a variety of data sources engages elementary school children in relatively autonomous collecting, organizing, and evaluating of data--processes necessary for exercising sound judgment and taking appropriate action. (RM)

This article examines a decision-making strategy called mixed scanning which can be used to teach social participation in elementary and secondary social studies. The strategy requires logical gathering and analyzing of information, judging the alternatives, making choices, and planning a course of action. The article outlines environmental…

Faculty questionnaires can be used by college personnel working with learning-disabled students to collect information essential for developing support services. A sample questionnaire on instructional methods and one on classroom adaptations are included. (DB)

Describes how students in a geoscience course are introduced to geographic information systems (GIS), a computer-assisted system for the acquisition, storage, analysis, and display of geographic data, through a practical experience involving collecting data and inputting it into a GIS program called IDRISI. (MKR)

Suggests ways in which collection and analysis of genealogical data in history and social studies classes can develop research skills, increase student interest, and improve self-actualization. Instructions on drawing up blood line charts and family trees are presented. (Author/DB)

Suggests that, when teaching statistics, research supports linking concrete experiences to procedures, giving students the opportunity to develop language, giving students a variety of problem types, using problems that represent the data in various forms, having students collect and summarize their own data, and using calculators for…

This book uses an extended case study to guide readers through the complexities of evaluating service learning outcomes and their relevance to the curriculum. Eight chapters include: (1) "What Is Service Learning?" (e.g., definition and rationale, developing a service learning program, and standards for effective programs); (2) "The…