Discusses problems with freshman research paper assignments. Describes how one teacher has adapted cooperative learning techniques to research assignments, allowing students to work together in "base" and "expert" groups. Describes four structured writing assignments on a single subject of general public interest that lends itself to specialized…

Discusses problems that students have in appreciating the relevance of the philosophy underlying geography instruction. Presents an activity that requires students to apply geographic concepts to decisions concerning the location of urban retail outlets. Includes details on implementation, rationale and background, and procedures. (SG)

Describes how college-reading and study-skills instructors can use the Internet as an extension of classroom activities. Discusses teaching students to use the computer, to search the Internet, to read the sources critically, to communicate, and to write opinion papers. Notes two useful articles that deal with instructional applications of the…

Presents the results of an undergraduate researcher survey which aims to determine the properties of a successful mentor. Includes a list of suggestions and tips for a successful undergraduate mentoring experience. (YDS)

Offers four steps to broaden students' thinking by questioning the "facts" from cases or problems. Claims the assignment helps students understand the process of dissecting the parts of a problem, researching the alternatives, writing a factual report, and orally presenting recommendations. (MS)

Recommends assigning students to complete a library resources investigation to help them choose a writing assignment topic. (HTH)

Explains how teachers can instruct students in proper note taking techniques. (FL)

This lesson plan provides background on six significant historical documents: (1) "Meeting at Runnymede--The Story of King John and the Magna Carta"; (2) "The Mayflower Compact"; (3) "The Declaration of Independence and Natural Rights"; (4) "The Federalist Papers"; (5) "Aristotle: In Search of the Best…

Recommends ways teachers can help students write better research papers. (JL)

Discusses techniques and provides background information to help teachers use debate in U.S. history courses. By debating controversial issues, students learn to do in-depth research. The necessity for anticipating evidence and arguments generates great incentives for study. (RM)

Sixth graders learn how to conduct a survey in this problem-solving project. (Editor/SJL)

Presents guidelines for supervising an undergraduate student doing research, including a sample contract set up between the student and the supervisor. The contract may state the research topic, objective, procedures, laboratory requirements, costs, schedule, additional projects, and grading criteria. Other suggestions include scheduled meetings…

Contends that the requirement of a PowerPoint presentation as part of the research process would benefit students in the following ways: learning how to conduct research; starting their research project sooner; honing presentation and public speaking skills; improving cooperative and social skills; and enhancing technology skills. Outlines the…

Describes a research paper, modeled after scientific research papers and dissertations, with a four-part format including introduction, materials and methods, results, and discussion. Notes that the model is suited to students' first encounter with professional research because it encourages reflection on the research process itself. (MM)

Describes a research project in which students write on the same topic--fast food chains. (MM)