Over decades, a number of researchers in science curriculum and science teaching and learning have pointed out that the history of science plays a pivotal role in the achievement of science literacy. However, recent studies have shown that both practitioners and textbook writers often fail to deal with subjects such as history and philosophy of…

This 3-lesson unit of study for grades 8-12 and adults considers the 250 million children who spend most of their day on the job, despite efforts to regulate or eliminate the practice of child labor. The unit focuses primarily on export-oriented businesses in the Americas. This focus serves as a starting point to understanding other forms of…

This study involved a teaching experiment in which academic argumentation was practiced during a ten-week email course in a Finnish university. During the course, two working methods were used: free debate and role play. The aim of the study was to clarify how these two working methods activated students in mutual argumentative dialogue and…

Describes an experiment in an elementary school in Israel in which role-simulation and lecture were used as strategies to aid children experiencing crisis situations. Results show that role-playing is an effective group intervention tool in stressful situations. (JJD)

Examines Kohlberg's proposition that both cognitive and perspective-taking development are necessary but not sufficient conditions for moral development by attempting to stimulate moral development. Results are interpreted as confirming Kohlberg's proposition. (RMH)

Explores the relationship between Hong Kong secondary school English teachers' metalinguistic awareness and the ability to explain a grammar point. Teachers of different backgrounds and experience were asked to role play a grammar point on two separate occasions; videotapes of the role plays were transcribed and analyzed. (13 references)…

Describes a curriculum enrichment project for gifted children. Using the subject matter of the history of settlement patterns in Western Australia, factual learning is enhanced by the use of projective role playing. Emphasizes the mutual enhancement of rational knowing and imaginative identification. Identifies issues in developing curriculum…

Basic thinking regarding certain aspects of learner autonomy is presented as well as certain cultural traits that may impede the promotion of autonomy. The use of large-scale simulation can create a learning environment that promotes autonomy. It is concluded that concrete acts of taking responsibility imbue the learner with a sense of autonomy.…

Presents a classroom activity in which students work in groups to develop a national budget. Requires students to consider economic factors such as inflation, unemployment, and taxation. Includes charts and a national budget work sheet. (CFR)

Presents a simulation of the situation in China that led to the 1949 Communist victory, focusing on the 1930s and 1940s when two political parties, the Guomindang and Chinese Communist, engaged in a battle for power. Includes directions and an appendix providing the roles, a background essay, and recommended readings. (CMK)

It is amazing how many interesting projects are going on in schools that nobody else knows much about. Teachers in St Peters Primary School have, over recent years, been involved in projects on emotional intelligence and in particular have developed a special interest in the use of puppets and role-play in their teaching. A concern to ensure a…

Digital or computer games have recently attracted the interest of education researchers and policy-makers for two main reasons: their interactivity, which is said to allow greater agency, and their inherent pleasures, which are linked to increased motivation to learn. However, the relationship between pleasure, agency and motivation in educational…

Two studies are presented which investigate the influence of various toy structures on the frequency of individual fantasy play forms in 3- to 6-year-old children. In the first study, the effects of high-realistic/high-complexity and low-realistic/low-complexity toy structures were compared. There were significant main effects for the factor toy…

Some older adults experience difficulty in decentering their own viewpoint on tasks requiring spatial and communicative role-taking. To examine the social perspective-taking skills of older adults and the kinds of strategies older people would suggest to solve social dilemmas, adults were interviewed about their typical interpersonal problems. A…

An exercise is presented that is designed as a training aid for junior administrative and/or academic staff in their first 6 years of service in universities. It is intended to help participants think about management principles in general while trying out their own ideas for solving the specific problems outlined. It will also permit individuals…