Content analysis of 441 electronic mail (e-mail) messages used by 31 Finnish undergraduate students investigated the use of the medium for practicing argumentation (grounding of stated claims) in two teaching modes: a tutor-led seminar and self-directed student discussion. Results indicated argumentation improved during the experiment, especially…

This program, for grades 4 through 12, introduces students to the concepts that result in cooperative work for the survival and improvement of the quality of life of the human family. In addition to the teacher's guide presented here, the program comes with a music video recorded in seven languages, reproducible pages, a class simulation game, and…

Discussion of the culturally diverse college student population focuses on how teacher understanding of that diversity (in which the students are experts), and on how it can inform the classroom culture can help defuse tensions and become a source for teaching. Dynamics of the culturally and linguistically diverse classroom are outlined and…

Undergraduate and graduate training programs in the helping professions are important sites for professional acculturation of students, reflecting a powerful political process. By giving voice to students' narratives, faculty validate students' cultural perspectives and encourage them to question and challenge professional practices of the…

Current reform movement is stuck in a worsening negative cycle that bruises human spirit. Teacher-centered reform movement is needed. Challenging dominant assumptions about professional educators and students is necessary to generate a new sense of purpose. Metaphor for tomorrow's schools should be the successful home guided by mature, caring…

This monograph describes the attunement strategy devised by educational researchers in the Netherlands as a means of engaging students' interest and building their understanding during classroom activities. The strategy, based on a cognitive-motivational model for development and learning, was developed to address the problem of students who are…

Examines ways in which a principal of a racially and ethnically diverse school improved harmony and respect through listening to students' opinions. Reviews how to conduct a student survey and student town meetings for the exchange of ideas. Honest dialogue is essential to any effort to improve student relations. (SLD)

The emergence of open education at the level of graduate study, characterized by more individualized study, distance education, and increased use of technology, is changing the roles and relationship of teacher and student. It will become increasingly important to acknowledge these changed physical boundaries and adjust teaching accordingly. (MSE)

The author first talks about the current situation of teaching EFL in higher education institutions in Taiwan, and indicates that the Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) Approach has been the most popular language teaching approach lately. Then he addresses the hybrid course approach which seems to be a trend as well as an appropriate way for…

Most academic advising conducted in the California Community Colleges is accomplished through a formal system administered by professional academic advisors/counselors. With recent cutbacks in funding, the amount of academic advisor time available to an increasing number of students is decreasing. In an effort to increase the availability of…

Different kinds of discussion methods have been developed to help students achieve different kinds of instructional objectives. The following discussion methods are analyzed from the perspective of the role demands that they make of students and teachers: (1) cooperative learning discussions; (2) the subject mastery discussion method; and (3)…

The literature relating to instructional improvement since 1978 is examined. After a review of implications of recent learning theories, it is concluded that theorists agree generally that: learning is enhanced when the student is active rather than passive; learning is improved by practice and feedback; learning is improved when directed toward…

Discusses site-based management as a means of school reform. Emphasizes the advantages of such decentralization for music education. Compares the traditional approach with a reform alternative in terms of decisions affecting teaching, learning, school climate, and curriculum. Urges implementation of site-based management as a means of involving…

St. Paul's Episcopal School in Oakland (California) addresses the needs of its multicultural community by promoting decision making by students. A commitment to diversity is really a commitment to respecting each individual, and real respect means respecting each student as a decision maker. (SLD)

Data for this review of Alberta, Canada's School Act by the Policy Advisory Committee for the School Act Review, included 200 written submissions from members of the public, community groups, and educational groups; oral presentations by 23 groups; discussion by committee members and others at 20 locations within Alberta; and the results of a…