Adventure programs should go beyond the "four Fs" of diversity activities (food, fashion, festivals, and facts) to explore differences and their implications for social justice. Possible group activities include sharing ethnic and family traditions surrounding a person's name and focusing on the cycle of socialization related to…

A positive self-concept is important for all children. Parents can assess their children's feelings about themselves and improve their children's self-respect. Feelings about the self are important because they affect children's success, sense of worth, ability to love others and to learn. Adults may inadvertently undermine a child's self-esteem…

After defining trade advisory committees as groups of individuals who have been selected because of their special knowledge and expertise to give advice on education programs, this report identifies the functions of the advisory committee in the areas of educational objectives, instructional content, program evaluation, review of equipment and…

Reports contemporary data concerning the fear of nuclear war among Americans of different age groups. Identifies recent efforts to educate K-12 students about the threat of nuclear war. (JDH)

George Jacobs holds a doctorate in Educational Psychology from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. He has taught courses on English, cooperative learning, curriculum design, environmental education, and multiple intelligences in the U.S., Thailand, Singapore, Nicaragua, and China . Dr. Jacobs has published more than 100 articles, book chapters,…

Argues that simulation and gaming techniques could provide an ideal vehicle for overcoming the failure of most communication skills courses to motivate science students and to achieve their educational objectives. Two simulation exercises developed for teaching communication skills to science students are described. Two figures accompany the text.…

The implementation of Title IX legislation has created opportunities for leadership positions in girls' and women's athletics. Administrative positions have been created for women to provide specific direction to new programs. Many women placed in leadership positions have had little previous administrative experience. (JN)

The question of collaboration among various constituencies in the area of in-service teachers education is discussed in terms of the governance structure involved, the required negotiation, and obstacles faced. (JMF)

Argues that it is critical to assess the extent of students' cumulative learning in problem-based learning (PBL) undergraduate education. Discusses five myths about this assessment process, including (1) there are no instruments that assess skills, attitudes, and knowledge associated with PBL; and (2) we can only assess what students learn within…

Describes computer-assisted group project activities, including the creation of a Web site and a poster, employed in a beginners' Japanese language course. Claims that the activities were positively received by students and suggests that three factors such as self-directed learning, group dynamics, and computer-related skills should be taken into…

Presents a rationale for practicing democracy with four and five year olds. Discusses techniques and activities that enhance children's understanding of democracy. (BB)

Describes a Saturday program connecting parish, school, and religious education programs in events that help families bridge the gap between learning about and practicing the faith. Describes four key elements: it is easy to participate; hands-on activities are featured; activities are big and group-oriented; and "busy-work" is avoided, making…

Examines a teacher's commitment to cooperative learning in the college classroom, discussing what makes cooperative learning so useful and explaining how to implement it. The paper notes that more and more colleges and universities are moving to active cooperative learning, even within preservice teacher education programs. (SM)

This article deals with the problem between the teacher and parent of a child who will not participate in group activities. Here, the author features the teacher's story as well as the parent's story. Some children take a long time to warm up to group play. Often, these are imaginative youngsters who are quite content to amuse themselves. They may…

Traditional lectures generally force students to play a passive role in the classroom. In an effort to promote active learning, we added discussion sections to a large lecture hall course. Field trips, student journals, and group-based assignments, in particular, enhanced the learning experience. To ensure the success of the new format, course…