Involving students in authentic science work is one way to enhance their interest in science. This paper reports a project in which Year 4-7 students actively participated in a study that involved the provision of a suitable nesting site for local turtles. The students collected data on turtle nests at the site and evidence of turtle hatchlings at…

This study examined a new achievement-goal approach to teacher motivation by testing the predictions that mastery and ability-avoidance goals for teaching would predict students' reports of teacher support for and inhibition of question asking and help seeking, as well as students' help seeking and cheating. Surveys were completed by 53 teachers…

In this study, the authors examined the relationship between teacher and student enjoyment. Based on social-cognitive approaches to emotions, they hypothesized (a) that teacher enjoyment and student enjoyment within classrooms are positively linked and (b) that teacher enthusiasm mediates the relationship between teacher and student enjoyment.…

This study examines a Detroit suburb experiencing an unexpected influx of working class African American students. Dilemmas engendered a cultural mismatch between teachers and students. In a controversial climate where students cross the boundary line in search for educational parity, this study examines a seventh-grade English teacher who enacts…

In K-12 classrooms, as well as on the college and university level, the incorporation of digital games has played a vital role in the educational system. While introducing teachers to new fields, these digital games have been designed and implemented for the classroom and have shown positive results at a variety of educational levels. Cases on…

Many middle school students claim that their voices are ignored in the classroom, where the attitude is too often that the teacher holds the one right answer. Instead of this approach, teachers may wish to use the Socratic Seminar, which prompts students to examine issues and ideas through dialogue and actively involves and motivates them, giving…

Previous research (e.g., Woodward & Baxter, 1997) found that Standards-based mathematics teaching provides marginal or no benefits for low achievers, in contrast with positive effects for middle and high ability students. A randomized quasi-experiment in 52 Canadian schools found that low achieving grade 7 and 8 students who received support…

In this study, with selecting the focusing point of the problem as the availability of cartoons, the teaching of global environmental problems according to the constructivist theory is investigated on the 7th graders in rural areas. This study is restricted with the global warming (G), ozone depletion (O) and the acid rain (A) problems. In the…

While trying to explain to his seventh grade students why models are needed to study science, the author stumbled across this project idea. At the time, his class was just beginning to study geology and rocks and minerals. This unit starts by introducing the structure of the Earth so students had very little background knowledge. He wanted a quick…

Includes a preface and two articles: "Rhetoric in Action: Roger's Social Studies Classroom" and "Rhetorical Understandings for Social Studies Teachers." Details how one teacher applies rhetorical principles to teaching, so that student learning, enjoyment, and motivation increase. Focuses on the definitions and principles of…

In May 1989, over 100,000 British Columbia (Canada) students in grades 4, 7, and 10 took part in social studies attitude and achievement surveys. All grade 10 teachers were asked to respond to a questionnaire, as were a selected sample of grades 4 and 7 teachers. This report contains the results of that social studies assessment. The report is…

This study compared the classroom environments as perceived by fourth-grade, seventh-grade and high school boys and girls in classes taught by males and females to determine if any perceptual differences existed. The analyses showed no differences for fourth-grade students, one for seventh-grade students, and three for high school students.…

Presents research findings regarding motivation's role in music education. Explains that students in grades five through eight provided reactions to a fictitious band student's experience with failure. Reports that many respondents believed that the student would perform better, try harder, and receive the teacher's and fellow students' support in…

The study sought to determine how integrating science and mathematics in a seventh-grade physics unit affected attitudes and achievement in science. Two above-average and two average classes were involved. Scientific attitudes of the average integrated group improved, as did achievement of the above-average integrated group. (MNS)

Describes a simulation exercise used in a seventh-grade class to teach about the conflict between Mexican Americans and European Americans living in Texas prior to the Mexican War. Reports on student response to the activity. Asserts that student understanding and empathy for the Mexican Americans is a result of the lesson. (CFR)