Potential benefits for learning that the outdoors may hold have been brought into increased focus in the UK by the recent introduction of a manifesto for learning outside the classroom (DfES, "Learning outside the classroom: manifesto"; Nottingham, Department for Education and Skills, 2006). This article draws on two recent studies of…

Regular physical activity participation throughout childhood provides benefits to physical (Malina, Bouchard, & Bar-Or, 2004), physiological (Andersen, Wedderkopp, Hansen, Cooper, & Froberg, 2003), and psychological health (Mutrie & Parfitt, 1998). In recognition of these benefits, guidelines have been published in the United States…

In the recent UK Government policies that aim to raise standards at all levels of education, the drive for lifelong, independent learners has diminished in favour of prescription and consistent teaching approaches. Nonetheless, the ideal outcome of learners who understand, and take responsibility for, their own learning persists, and can be…

Whereas different studies have each emphasised the importance of different variables for productive mathematics learning, this study has found the teacher to be of major importance. In the 13 third grade classrooms of five different elementary schools students' feelings about mathematics and their performance in routine and novel problems were…

Evaluated the effectiveness of a drawing program called "negotiated drawing" with children aged 5-7 years. Compared drawings of children using this program with those of children given normal drawing lessons. All the children improved their drawings, but the children using the negotiated drawing program improved more than the children…

Ascertained seven- and eight-year-olds' understanding of advertising, the role of the buyer and seller, and the role of real estate agents. Interviewed an experimental group of students who had been exposed, and a control group of students who had not been exposed, to classroom presentations concerning these topics. (MDM)

Explores the educational applications and potential of using multilingual word-processing in primary schools and offers solutions to technical difficulties. It provides tips on software selection, training, and introducing the program to parents and pupils. (GR)

The present study examined the extent to which motivation contributes to the prediction of school achievement among elementary school children beyond general mental ability ("g"). The sample consisted of "N" = 1678 nine-year-old UK elementary school children who took part in the Twins Early Development Study (TEDS). Teachers…

This paper arises out of a longitudinal study, which provides an in-depth exploration into the emotional and social dynamics of pre-adolescent girls' friendship groups as they relocate from their inner-city state primary school to their secondary schools (R. George & N. Browne [2000] "Are you in or are you out? A study of girls'…

Comments on Margaret Spear's work dealing with sex differences in handwriting and cultural stereotyping. Presents evidence of substantial differences between the handwriting of boys and girls. Finds that cultural stereotypes are accepted by teachers. Reports that children are able to determine the sex of the writer from examining the handwriting…

Examines the use of mental, written, and calculator strategies of numerical computation by 56 upper primary students. Finds that students introduced to a "calculator-aware" curriculum make greater use of mental computation, particularly multiplication strategies based on distribution and compensation. Notes implications for models of…

Previous research on teaching the Holocaust, primarily case studies in either the primary or the secondary sectors, suggests that Holocaust education can contribute to pupils' citizenship values in a positive way. Yet, in common with other initiatives, this evidence focuses exclusively on the short term impact of Holocaust education. Our ongoing…

This paper refocuses attention on and problematizes girls' experiences of school achievement and the construction of schoolgirl femininities. In particular, it centres on the relatively neglected experiences and identity work of high achieving primary school girls. Drawing upon ethnographic data (observations, interviews, and pupil diaries) from a…

The Digital Portfolio Project at Newcastle University aimed over one year (2002/2003) to support teachers in producing, storing and accessing assessment portfolios of learner's work using information and communications technology (ICT). This paper draws on evidence of pupil views collected as part of 14 teacher-led case studies. The teachers all…

Presents brief introduction to school-based volunteering in Britain. Details history of young people's involvement in voluntary work and community service, and range of activities, both local and national, that are now being undertaken. Discusses relationship between volunteering and citizenship. (Author/NB)