To help elementary school social students understand how a government works, the article describes an activity which requires a combination of government-related knowledge and procedural skills. The activity focuses on citizenship decision making and includes a mock presidential election. (DB)

Discusses need for development of keyboarding skills at the elementary school level; issues to be addressed when developing keyboarding curricula (criterion for competence, how much is necessary, time needed, who should teach and how); and program considerations (hardware, curriculum, principles of instruction, instructional periods, classroom or…

The six editions of this newsletter provide a forum for the sharing of research findings and instructional strategies by faculty of Western Michigan University on issues connected with critical thinking. Topics addressed include alternative program designs for critical thinking instruction, a philosophical exploration of what critical thinking is,…

Considers the relationship between business studies and economics. States that economics is the foundation for business studies and that the abstract theories of economics have a place in the business studies syllabus. Provides an outline for a business studies syllabus. (GG)

Outlines six classroom strategies used in a mainstreamed high school biology course and describes some of the changes Catholic University is making through a dean's grant to integrate preparation for mainstreaming into its preservice teacher education program. (SJL)

Effective teaching was the focus of a great deal of research during the 1970s. Many relationships between how teachers teach and what students learn were identified. Findings emerged from studies using a wide variety of methodologies. Thus far, findings from the research on teaching have been used primarily to improve the instruction of inservice…

Supports B. Plowden and David Elkind's rationale for developmental early childhood education that considers children's unique learning modes. Describes four program elements: opportunities for developmental tasks, teachers' knowledge of children's development, concrete learning experiences, and appropriate setting. Discusses curriculum…

The six editions of the newsletter provide a forum for the sharing of research findings and instructional strategies by faculty of Western Michigan University. Topics addressed include: active learning; lecture variations; lecture techniques; grading student participation; leading discussions; overcoming silence; discussion challenges; course…

The first (exploratory) phase of the Learning in Science Project focused on science teaching/learning in the Form 1 to 4 level (ages 10 to 14) and sought to identify problems and difficulties in several areas. Provided in this paper are comments obtained during structured/unstructured interviews (from students, ex-students, teachers, headmasters,…

Evaluations of compensatory education programs provided under Chapter 1 of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act (ECIA) indicate that the traditional provision of a less challenging curriculum, limited achievement goals, and emphasis on pull-out programs for compensatory instruction actually hamper the ability of low-achieving students…

Multilevel foreign language classes are viewed as a challenge that can be met by a careful consideration of wise materials and equipment selection, group dynamics, individualized instruction, and curricular reorganization. (JB)

Designed for teachers and others involved in the development of early childhood education programs, the resource guide presents a model for teaching children, ages four through seven. Part 1 presents a brief overview of the growth and background of early childhood education in Maryland. Part 2 traces the origins and development of kindergarten…

Part I of this two-part document consists of a report on a study designed to measure the effects of a nonsexist classroom on the sex role attitudes of first graders. Part II is a teacher's guide to the nonsexist classroom program itself. The sex role attitudes of three groups of children--an experimental group from an open classroom, and two…

Despite increased per pupil cost of programs, facilities, and certified personnel caused by low student enrollments, small rural high schools can offer broad and diverse curricula. This paper briefly describes 31 model programs used by small and rural high schools to maintain or expand curriculum offerings and lists advantages and disadvantages of…

The volume focuses on best practices in specific areas of programming for mentally retarded students which teachers and support service personnel must address before considering curriculum content. The first of three sections consists of four chapters focusing on the following philosophical considerations: characteristics of students with mental…