Uses a Vygotskian framework to examine students' (n=26) use of tools in a ninth-grade physical science classroom during a unit on electric circuits. Indicates that conceptual progress may be hindered by students' need to first understand the tools in terms of everyday application. Advocates selection of laboratory tools and activities that match…

Describes an assignment useful in high school and college-level literature classes in which students choose a book (or other reading material) from among a group of works that fit the parameters of the course or unit and work in groups to prepare a presentation. Suggests these reading groups and self-selection of reading material encourages active…

Examines the language and meanings assigned to various colors to understand sources of negative racial attitudes. Discusses the importance of self-definition and a positive self-image in creating a trusting environment that fosters understanding. Advocates using teachable moments with children to promote understanding of diversity. Includes a…

Describes how a researcher used student cooperative-learning teams to contribute test items. Discusses the questions generated by students and concludes that teachers have the flexibility to encourage students to generate and solve their own problems. Also concludes that students have the opportunity to be creative and formulate and pose questions…

Reviews the literature on peer evaluation to identify some of the best practices. Notes that best practices include building a foundation in the classroom that supports collaborative evaluation, creating effective tools, implementing formative feedback during the collaborative experience, formulating summative feedback at the conclusion of the…

Presents two examples of problem solving activities in which students are provided with helpful and extraneous information. Each of six group members must make verbal input for the collective solution of a problem. (CP)

This handbook provides an introductory series of exercises for teaching students about those work attitudes which have been identified by employers as success-related. The purpose of the unit is to increase students' awareness to the point where they will have the choice of behaving in such a way as to help ensure their job success. The handbook…

Part I of this booklet introduces the concept of the student-centered approach to teaching with a description of the salient features of student-centered activities. These features have characteristics that increase student participation: (1) the ability to create; (2) divergent rather than convergent thinking; (3) exercising curiosity and being…

"Winging it" becomes necessary when something unexpected comes up and the teacher has to improvise at the last minute. The successful "winger" has to plan ahead. Three factors in the planning are to have an overhead projector at one's disposal; to seat pupils in groups of four from the start; and to collect material from magazines, children's…

The purpose of this study was to develop, conduct, and evaluate a black literature workshop designed to sensitize teachers to the black American experience. The developed workshop study utilized the major components of an educational workshop and also emphasized 40 preconstructed group activities designed from black literary selections and given…

Several activities for developing social skills using small group exercises, simulation games, and evaluation techniques are described. (Author/KM)

Describes a successful classroom activity in which a game, Relay Review, is used to help students see the relevance of mathematics to their everyday lives and enjoy learning mathematics. (KHR)

Describes a way of using multiple representations to help students learn data analysis and make sense out of a large amount of data. Includes an activity for a group-learning environment. (KHR)

Discusses the question, "how do learners best learn." Urges teachers to strive to create a community atmosphere within the classroom. Suggests things teachers can do which will assist in the process of creating this community atmosphere. Lists organizations and their addresses from which information can be obtained. (KO)

Natural and enthusiastic communication among students is a goal of every second-language class. Whole-class interaction activities promote interpersonal sharing as well as intense oral practice of targeted linguistic structures in a relaxed atmosphere. Examples are given. (Contains four references.) (Author/LB)