This book offers a comprehensive guide to the Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) framework that has convincingly demonstrated that implementation increases retention and improved outcomes for all students. Its premise is simple: to make learning processes explicit and equitably accessible for all students. Transparent instruction…

Since 2001, the University of Maryland University College (UMUC) Graduate School has been conducting outcomes assessment of student learning. The current 3-3-3 Model of assessment has been used at the program and school levels providing results that assist refinement of programs and courses. Though effective, this model employs multiple rubrics to…

This paper presents findings from a two-­year pilot project into the use of ePortfolios as a tool for assessment in a two year, field-­oriented, inquiry-­based teacher preparation program. Participants consisted of five cohorts of pre­service student teachers and five instructors; interviews, focus groups, artifacts, and project meetings provided…

Walla Walla Schools (Washington) designed a demonstration project using the Marzano thinking skills model, which emphasizes learning preparation, content thinking, and basic reasoning skills. Placing selected thinking skills within specific curriculum areas and grade levels proved so successful that teachers then collaborated on a content-free…

Describes a pilot project for the home-study component of a first-year general chemistry course at Athabasca University that uses microscaled experiments. Presents four experiments and discusses home-study versus in-lab experience. (JRH)

Presents an effective way to start a technological revolution in schools by beginning with a single exciting project that incorporates new technologies and then letting interest in the project prompt others to action. (JRH)

Describes a pilot project in the state of Alaska and one mathematics teacher's experiences in this project studying and using performance-based assessment techniques and developing a scoring guide for performance-based assessments. (ASK)

Recommends the study of architecture as an early introduction to the interdisciplinary study of history, geography, economics, sociology, and art. Maintains that this study can increase interest in local history and citizenship. Profiles pilot programs that have incorporated architecture into social studies instruction. (MJP)

Considers the theoretical issues of portfolio approaches to writing evaluation, especially as related to use in a large-scale setting such as a high school. Focuses on several key issues: standardization of portfolio contents, scoring procedures, the authenticity of student writings, and logistics. Describes a pilot study of the feasibility of…

Describes a pilot project that designed a teacher's guide integrating visits to an art museum with creative drama activities for a social studies unit on the American west. (PD)

Reports on a pilot project which used an imaginary tour of an Italian city as the basis for conversation exercises. (AM)

Activities suggested in this booklet for substitute teachers are designed to reinforce the objectives of the Program of Studies, the official school district curriculum of the Fairfax County (Virginia) Public Schools. This booklet is part of a management support kit of resources, materials, and information developed for the Management for…

This national pilot project was designed to determine if telecommunications is an effective tool for teacher training and mentoring. The project envisions telecommunications as a means for teachers to have an ongoing dialogue with colleagues and experts worldwide, using a computer network. Teachers access documents and materials, take part in…

In response to the need for qualified gemologists and the serious gap in gemological training, a study was directed and designed to develop an instructional program which could be used nationally and to establish a vocational gemology program at Paris Junior College. Following the selection of appropriate instructional materials, stations were…

Part of a pilot project in distance learning by satellite in North Carolina, this telecourse is designed to increase teachers' awareness and understanding of how to use computers and instructional software in their teaching. The six 1-hour teleconference sessions in this telecourse include "live," interactive one-way video/two-way audio…