The process of students' conceptual change was evaluated during a computer-supported physics unit in a Grade 10 science class. Computer simulation programs were developed to confront students' alternative conceptions in mechanics. A conceptual test was administered as pre-, post-, and delayed post-tests to determine students' conceptual change.…

Summarizes the important workshops of the 1996 Language Teachers Association of the Northern Territory, Australia. One workshop suggests that every individual possesses a unique blend of seven intelligences. Three others focus on catering to a range of learners through the provision of multimedia tasks, by self-directed learning and through…

The observational data from a project which was designed to implement and monitor the effects of an inservice program in facilitating a non-sexist approach to the teaching of science in Australian primary schools are reported in this paper. Descriptions and analyses are provided both of the children's participation in activity-centered lessons on…

An innovative project of cooperative evaluation by principals and teachers of their schools was initiated in 1977 in over 70 large primary schools throughout Queensland, Australia. The background and purposes of the project are described and a schedule for a school evaluation project is suggested. A booklet "A Guide for Cooperative School…

Focuses on the challenges associated with the introduction of language education in a secondary classroom containing learners of diverse backgrounds. Presents the results of action research of two groups of girls studying French. Findings indicate that a large group of learners can develop language skills through pair work and group activities and…

Maintains that writing ability is vital in fulfilling geography discipline objectives of mutual understanding and emancipation. Reports on a study of the use of writing groups in college geography classrooms in the United States and Australia. Includes a student essay evaluation guide as an appendix. (CFR)

Evaluated a newly developed peer assessment method for evaluating group work with 261 students at an Australian university. Found generally high levels of student satisfaction with group work and with the assessment method, but significant differences between students who either had or had not had prior work experience, and between Australian and…

Introduces a teaching strategy for Year 10 and senior biology students to demonstrate food and energy processes along a river ecosystem. In studying the River Continuum Concept, groups of students undertake a series of interrelated projects as a means of understanding the big picture of the food and energy interrelationships evident in healthy…

Part of the Australian "Reading Around Series," this document offers a set of guidelines for fostering cooperative learning in a language arts classroom. The problems with competitive and/or individual learning, and the reasoning behind cooperative learning, are presented in the first section of the document. The second section outlines…

This paper reports on developments in teaching and learning for first year employment relations students at the University of Wollongong based on creating conditions of learning informed by Vygotsky's "zone of proximal development" theory. Essentially, this meant emphasising collaborative learning (group work) in the lecture theatre and…

The provision of child care and development programs that meet the specific needs of infants and toddlers is a major issue among professional caregivers. This monograph provides a quick guide to program planning that focuses specifically on the needs of very young children in group settings. The monograph explains and discusses the planning…

The challenge of the Australian lifestyle has historically led bushmen on journeys of arduous adventure which actively developed unfettered spirits and extraordinary endurance. These qualities have contributed to the development of the Australian psyche. As a way of passing on the qualities and values of Australian bushmen of years ago, an…

The purposes of this study were to: (1) investigate the process of development of young children's ideas when (and if) they appropriate science from the conceptual area (i.e., light) during whole-class and small-group interactions; and (2) advance understanding of relationships between a collaboratively designed learning and teaching model and…

The Priority Country Area Program is a Rural Education Program funded by the Commonwealth Schools Commission and jointly administered by the Queensland (Australia) Department of Education and the Queensland Catholic Education Office. The program develops educational strategies to address problems engendered by the social and geographical nature of…

An early childhood classroom teacher integrated academic goals with the acquisition of social skills by using a specific teaching strategy of co-operative learning. The teacher of 5- to 7-year-olds experienced a classroom environment which lacked respect, fairness, and tolerance in the following dynamics: (1) boys toward girls; (2) older children…