Conducted a study (n=26) to test descriptions about learning associated with open-ended design projects and to clarify the notion of ownership of resources and practices. Reports that conceptual and material resources were shared among students and that tool-related practices were appropriated as newcomers participated with more competent others…

Examined elaboration strategy--verbal elaboration, imagery, or keyword--use as a function of prior knowledge with students in grades two, four, and six. Found support for elaborative interrogation for all grade levels when learners had access to an extensive network of information. Imagery appeared to be the strategy of choice when background…

A survey of 299 eighth-grade students who had attended a school-operated two-day residential program during grade six at Durham Forest (Uxbridge, Ontario) Outdoor and Environmental Education Centre showed fulfillment of 8 of the 10 program objectives. Each objective is analyzed with student responses in narrative and graph format. (SAS)

This study examined the possible gender differences in teachers' scoring and written feedback on two narrative and two persuasive writing samples sent to 108 grade six teachers throughout one Canadian province. Participating teachers read a narrative and a persuasive piece of writing from one boy, and a narrative and persuasive piece written by…

This study explored the usefulness of an approach to science instruction which specifically considered children's spontaneous conceptions about natural phenomena. The aim of the instruction was the development of conceptual understanding. The instructional approach involved diagnosing children's spontaneous conceptions, making them aware of their…

This compilation of interviews and photographs is the result of a German class project entitled Whyte Avenue. The project was carried out by fifth and sixth grade students who were attending an after-school German course in Edmonton, Alberta. The course introduced students to the German language and culture by exposing them to native German…

Designed to be used in conjunction with the Alberta (Canada) Social Studies Program of Studies, this color coded resource manual provides practical suggestions for teachers. It is organized in five sections. The first section presents the goals and objectives of the program, sample models for problem solving and decision making, and an outline of…

A study was made of the effects of group size and time-on-task on the ability of 259 fifth- and sixth-grade students to learn in the context of computer assisted instruction. Predominantly Jewish, subjects attended one of three schools in an upper-middle-class area of Montreal. After the Basic Word Vocabulary Test and a background/demographic…

The relationship between altruistic behavior and popularity found in young children becomes much less defined with older children. In a paired-comparison procedure, 144 children from two elementary schools ranked the relative attractiveness as a potential friend of four fictional children described as altruistic, prosocial-aggressive, good at…

The Social Studies Assessment Program was a province-wide assessment of Social Studies concepts, skills, and attitudes in grades 3, 6, 9, and 12 in Manitoba (Canada) carried out during April, 1984. Designed to provide a profile of student performance on program objectives, the test was administered to a representative sample of students at each…

In April 1971 the Ontario Educational Communications Authority evaluated its simulation game "Operation Moonvigil", an action and reflection process for students in grades five through nine, designed to allow them to discover how and why institutions come into being and interact with individuals. Questionnaires were distributed, student…

After the 1984-85 evaluation of the Special Needs Project in the North York, Ontario Schools, it was decided to extend the standardized achievement testing for the 1985-86 school year. Because of previous test validity problems, testing was continued under more uniform conditions; practice tests were available and the achievement tests were…

This health education guide for grade six is divided into six sections. A statement of the sub-goal for each section prefaces an outline for achieving that goal: (1) social-emotional well-being: to enhance self-awareness and increase skills that promote personal development and successful relationships; (2) physical well-being: to increase…

The Kumtuks program, an alternative rehabilitation program established by the Vancouver School Board in 1976 for Native Indian students, is described. Kumtuks was established to retain students between grades 6 and 9 when the drop-out rate among Native Indian students is the highest. The results of the evaluation of the first two years (1976-78),…

A follow-up study of a cross-cultural program bringing together French Canadians and native-English-speaking students of French found that fourth, fifth, and sixth grade Anglophone students gained in French language proficiency and in friendships with Francophone peers outside of school. (MSE)