Examinations greatly influence course structures and student study strategies. A course for students in the civil and environmental engineering programme at Lulea University of Technology was reconstructed with the aim of increasing levels of understanding. A simple written test was designed to assess low levels of understanding (definitions,…

The mathematics education reform movement has catalyzed issues concerning curriculum for future mathematics teachers, because of the varied school mathematical experiences of students entering post-secondary education. Post secondary instructors face the problem of addressing these differences in the mathematics and mathematics education courses…

"Count Us in: Achieving Success for Deaf Pupils" is a timely report. It comes when schools are becoming more confident in dealing with a wide range of additional support for learning needs. Schools are also more aware that they need to personalise experiences in order to meet pupils' learning needs. The report does point to strengths…

A preinstruction questionnaire was used with two small group writing classes at Goodwill Industries of the Miami Valley, Inc. (Ohio). The questionnaire was designed to provide as much information as possible about the students' knowledge and background in writing. The survey had four purposes: determine what kinds of writing students currently did…

The fact that a writer's culture influences the composing style is undeniable. Spanish speakers writing in English often allow their points to "leap around," perhaps constituting a pattern the instructor does not see. In "Beyond Culture," Edward Hall explains that cultures operate under either "monochronic" or…

Addressed to classroom teachers, this booklet illustrates ways student enterprise projects offer uncommon opportunities for students to write and ultimately produce materials having social value. It is suggested that, for elementary school students, teachers can structure enterprise projects involving play. For example, one teacher invited…

The resistance of recent high school graduates enrolled in residential colleges to feminist analysis in terms of the students' life experiences is explained. Rather than dismissing students' perceptions as naive, it is important to apply a feminist methodology to their experiences. Some suggestions are made. (Author/RM)

Describes one assignment particularly effective not only in illustrating some of the principles of schema theory but also in the preparation of prospective teachers. The assignment is to plan and carry out an experience students have never had before. (HOD)

Presents a lesson plan that enables children to identify their community as a nodal region. Includes field trips, map tracing and comparison, discussion, and observation. Emphasizes children's analysis of the effect of rail transportation on their community. Suggests using the students' community as a geographic laboratory for hands-on experience.…

Discusses findings regarding the academic backgrounds of students taking algebra-based physics. Four areas were examined: (1) performance in math courses; (2) high school physics background; (3) community or junior college experience; and (4) science education majors. Suggestions for improving the academic performance for students in these areas…

Presents a theoretical framework for an empirical analysis of subject matter based on conceptual definitions of instruction and schooling. Discusses relating a period of instruction and the subject matter to other facts such as the students' experiences, curricular regulations, and the teacher's didactic routines. Illustrates the "local…

Difficulties in teaching students whose general knowledge is limited are discussed by a teacher at the Nofe-Golan Regional High School. Suggestions are offered regarding obtaining information about each student, preparing first lessons, student and teacher ground rules, readying students for tests, and special activities. (LB)

Ways to teach a novella to English-as-a-Second-Language students are discussed, based on the reader-response theory, which accounts for the student's background. It is shown how reading and writing can be integrated and taught as a discourse process that can be assisted by the teacher and peers. (Contains 27 references.) (LB)

This article chronicles the unique manner in which a second-year MBA elective course in managing teams has been crafted using existing first-year learning teams as its core. The design and orchestration of this course are detailed, as are the challenges posed, in delivering a course that not only teaches about teams and team dynamics but does so…

The National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) documents dimensions of quality in undergraduate education and provides information and assistance to colleges, universities, and other organizations to improve student learning. Its primary activity is annually surveying college students to assess the extent to which they engage in educational…