Describes research that focused on the acquisition of critical thinking skills by vocational education students in Further Education colleges in the United Kingdom, and in particular on the development of the skills of reasoned argument via practice. Discusses the use of modeling and peer-based critiquing exercises. (LRW)

The English government has focused upon a pattern of professional development that involves demonstration and modelling as a key element in the improvement of the teaching of 11-14 year olds (Key Stage 3 strategy). From 1997 the Nuffield Primary History Project (NPHP) has implemented a programme for the professional development of teachers built…

Background: Underachievement among boys and particular ethnic groups is a major challenge to the education system. Purpose: This paper reports on one local education authority's attempts to address this concern by investigating the characteristics of its schools demonstrating success with the groups causing most concern: black Caribbean, black…

Presents accounts from primary teachers as they worked toward fostering questioning. Techniques included providing good stimuli for questions, having students share thoughts in groups of increasing size, and modeling good questions and question-asking. (PVD)