Many teachers develop oral communication skills through questioning, discussion, Socratic seminars, think-pair-shares, jigsaws, and small-group projects. To these activities the author has added poetry under the auspices of Poetry Out Loud, a national program that asks students to memorize and recite poems. On its website (www.poetryoutloud.org/),…

In this article, the authors describe how self-directed learning allows students to design their own research projects and rubrics, differentiated for their cognitive readiness, learning preferences, interests, and affect. The authors found that students viewed their self-directed learning as challenging but fun because it is relevant and doable,…

As heated as the controversy is and has been, most opponents of homework actually support at least a modest amount of "independent study," and the most ardent advocates are likely to emphasize moderation in the amount of homework and emphasis on the quality of independent assignments. In this article, the author focuses on this troublesome issue…

Describes how a "problem" student bucks the system and wins. (RL)

Explains a research paper assignment in which students design their own thesis and link an original theory to an article found in a popular magazine. Provides three example assignments. Concludes the students then feel comfortable during later classroom discussions when introduced to the views of literary critics. (PM)

Describes an independent reading program for gifted students used by the the Blue Mountain Union Schools in Wells River, Vermont. (JL)

Contends that developing a semester-long independent study project is a useful way to motivate students. Argues that giving student the choice and responsibility for selecting a topic of study is highly motivating. (HB)

Lists five supplementary instructional materials that offer writing lessons for students during independent study time inside or outside of class. Provides publication information and a brief summary for each selection. (MM)

Suggests that in a constructivist setting, the computer must facilitate social interaction among students and provide for independent acquisition of shared knowledge. Considers how to best use computers in the modern classroom. Proposes that it is the function of the arrangement of the computer pod to provide effective small group instruction. (PM)

Outlines a student-conducted literature course that uses several classic novels ("My Antonia,""The Pearl," etc.) as the basis for group discussion, writing, and oral performance activities--all directed toward extracting "meaning" from the books selected. (NKA)

Offers three brief articles on three teacher-initiated programs that involve collaboration with colleagues and students: in music/arts production by fourth and fifth graders; an independent study program in which middle school students wrote grant proposals; and an activity in which seventh graders mapped a timeline of Earth history and geologic…