Shows how two "meanings" from the "Challenger" disaster can be examined in a technical writing class to illustrate the social contingency of meaning even in science and technology. (SR)

Presents remarks adapted from the Presidential address from the 1999 annual meeting of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). Argues that the mathematics classroom teacher must create an environment that supports students' interests and mathematics growth at many different levels and ways in which to achieve this. Considers…

Discusses examples of peer social interaction and language play among fourth through sixth graders. Suggests that these sub-rosa skills be taken into consideration during classroom assessment of language competence and development. (HTH)

This unit is designed to teach students about how a bill becomes law and how interest groups participate in and impact this process. LegiQuest teaches students about the roles of Congress, the President, and the courts in the legislative process. It can be used at the beginning of the course to introduce the functions and branches of government.…

Presents a course which addresses the social, cultural, scientific, and clinical aspects of the historical development of the medical professions in the United States. Includes course format, explanation of exams and grades, and listing of weekly topics, reading assignments, and discussion questions. (DC)

Suggests ways of getting students involved in the study of poetry: (1) showing how poetic elements appear in everyday life, (2) using demonstrations and gimmicks to generate enthusiasm, (3) starting with contemporary poetry before examining the "classics" and "masterpieces," and (4) having students practice writing poems. (RL)

Describes one approach to teaching an American literature survey course that focuses attention on authors' responses to business. (HOD)

Urges educators to establish liaisons with professionals in the Soviet Union. Provides background information on the country, its size, populations, languages, and major ethnic groups. Describes the structure of the education system, the critical problems of housing, and the position of women in a consistently male-dominated society. (NL)

Promotion of an alliance between college teachers and students requires shifting from a perception of the teacher as an agent of student change to that of teacher as partner in the change process. Twenty-five guidelines cover mutual respect, shared responsibility and mutual commitment to goals, effective communication and feedback, cooperation,…

Discusses two sets of social relations involved in reading and writing practices: (1) author/reader social relationships, and (2) participant social relationships. Notes each set of social relationships has implications for issues of authority, power, social identities, definitions of knowledge, emotional relationships, and social-group identity.…

In the process of selecting which science facts should be learned, the events that are selected become imbued with significance and their implicit messages with value. Contends that what is included and what is left out of science stories says much abut meaning-making at all levels of school science, and has implications for the way science is…

Describes the aims, methods, project, and topics of a course designed so that students may explore the impact of science and technology on society. Units include: technology (pro and con); nuclear deterrence; politics and technical decisions; and computers. Includes a list of audiovisual resources (with title, source, and current cost). (DH)

Identifies differences between the cultures of Southeast Asian countries and those of the United States that could cause misunderstanding in American schools. Differences in communication, schooling, and values are pointed out, and the influence of social factors and the impact of teachers' activities and attitudes are discussed. (RH)

Presents the President's address from the 1999 annual meeting of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). Asserts that the mathematics classroom teacher must create an environment that supports students and mathematics growth at many different levels, and suggests ways in which to achieve this. Considers the changing societal…

Describes a participatory exercise that will enable students to understand the socially constructed nature of racial categories. Outlines some discussion techniques for use before the exercise that challenge students' basic understandings of race. (CMK)