This article describes a research project undertaken as part of a Master's degree drawing on the author's recent professional experience as a primary teacher and headteacher. It explores the possibilities and benefits of supporting the development of social research skills with a class of seven- and eight-year-old (Year 3) children in one English…

This paper describes the design and subsequent impact of a scientific research skills course. Student understanding of the university research environment, their confidence in finding and using scientific literature and in scientific writing and presentation pre- and post-course was investigated. The findings suggested that understanding of the…

In this paper, we report on survey and focus group data relating to the activities and perceptions of learning with Web 2.0 technologies of students aged between 11 and 16 years in 27 UK secondary schools. The study confirms that these learners had high levels of access to Web 2.0 technologies and that Web 2.0 activities were prolific. However,…

Discusses Colchester (England) Sixth Form College's residential fieldwork program, in which students observe a business first hand. Argues that the students (1) learn the relevance of their coursework; (2) develop new ideas; (3) experience business and economic principle applications; and (4) practice data collection and analysis. Suggests that…

To better understand the issues behind the colonization of the New World and to see why some colonies and empires failed while others flourished, students analyze the motivations and resources of the colonial powers. Noting that the results of the colonial era are counter-intuitive (the Spanish, who colonized areas rich in gold, silver, and…

Examines the outcomes of a two-year trial of computer-mediated conferencing (CMC) conducted at a British university during the final-year undergraduate course in glacial and periglacial geomorphology. Discusses the issues related to CMC and describes the experience over the last two years of using CMC conferencing. (CMK)

Schools in England are now being encouraged to "personalise" the curriculum and to consult students about teaching and learning. This article reports on an evaluation of one high school which is working hard to increase student subject choice, introduce integrated curriculum in the middle years and to improve teaching and learning while…

Describes how a history department in an English high school engaged students in genuine historical research using personal studies. The studies were guided by a question chosen by the student. Students used various primary and secondary sources to research their questions. Practical examples of the department's planning and structuring of student…

This paper argues that productive reform in teacher education must comprise the development of a rigorous practical pedagogy. The theoretical element of teacher education courses and practical teaching are incompatible because research looks at the way teaching is rather than the way teaching should be, and because teaching is viewed as comprising…

Provides a concise overview of the potential role of the Internet for helping geography students in their studies. Briefly describes and discusses e-mail communication with groups and individuals, downloading databases, researching information for assignments, publishing on the World Wide Web, and virtual fieldwork. Lists a number of useful Web…

This study examined how preservice teachers perceived the research element of their undergraduate education, collecting data from two student cohorts in their final year (109 students during the 1997-98 academic year and 140 during the 1998-99 year). Researchers examined how students felt about the program strand designed to enhance their…

Describes a research project, conducted by university students, collecting oral histories of British housewives. The project examined domesticity in England from the 1930s to the 1950s. Discusses the research literature, interview procedures, and the project's results. (MJP)

Examines the background and implementation of a student research project exploring the decisions of 16-year olds to leave or stay in school. Offers a critique of the methods of student researchers focusing upon five main issues, organization, time, equity, research style, and clashing cultures. (MJP)

This bulletin describes a trial examination for the geography curriculum as specified by the Certificate of Secondary Education. The total examination is composed of a 2 hour objective examination to test factual knowledge learned in the geography courses. A second part of the total examination consisted of: 1) a paper by the student on some…