Canadian fourth, fifth, and sixth graders (n=300) were given either resource-based instruction (RBI), nonintegrated library instruction, or no library skills instruction. Sixth graders in RBI outperformed sixth graders given no instruction. There were no significant differences between nonintegrated and no instruction. Maximum learning growth…

The long-term promise of cooperative learning may quickly dissolve unless there is careful examination of issues related to successful practices. The article defines a context for cooperative learning and links its current popularity to middle school theory and philosophy, young adolescent characteristics, research claims, and simple application.…

Describes a teaching experiment conducted with fourth grade students in field of experience of gears. Identifies characteristics which, given suitable sequence of tasks and proper teacher guidance, have enabled pupils to approach theoretical thinking. Presents early findings of the teaching experiments at the external level of interpersonal…

Compared the effectiveness of two instructional approaches in the acquisition of basic concepts of astronomy by 63 fifth graders, half of whom received standard textbook-based instruction. The rest received instruction that took preconceptions into account and that focused on the plausibility of scientific conceptions. Results supported the…

This note discusses a possible method for teaching an example of problem solving to intermediate grade students. Under the guidance of the instructor, students may see the links between the 'guess' method and the arithmetic operation 'strings'. This may help enhance their logical thinking ability as well as arithmetic operation skills. For…

This study examined the theory asserting that partitioning a unit is basic in developing understanding of the different rational number constructs. A fraction sequence was developed in which early experiences with partitioning units were provided. An alternative fraction sequence was designed to include initial activities with pattern blocks in…

Daily News on the Air show produced by students. (JH)

Visual imagery as a factor relating to spelling performance and retention was compared with auditory and kinesthetic factors among children in grades 4, 5, and 6. Results revealed that visual imagery was superior to auditory for both spelling and retention. (Author/MT)

The purpose of this study was to provide teachers and principals with concrete evidence to demonstrate that weekly math homework increases academic performance in math. This study focused mainly on homework's effects on quiz scores. It compared quiz scores of students who did homework with those who did not. The subjects of this study included 21…

A curriculum unit on optical lenses is described for gifted students in grades two to five. Major content-related and method-related concepts are noted as are five instructional objectives. Eight sample instructional activities (using productive thinking, communication, and brainstorming skills) are described. Unit evaluation suggestions…

This article presents a rationale and technique for stimulating students' interest in literature. An example, featuring author Donald Crews, is provided. A list of authors of books suitable for primary and middle grades is included together with an author information resource guide. (IAH)

This program, which applies William Shakespeare's works for gifted intermediate level students, involves student reading of plays, students and teachers reading together and discussing scenes, individual students rereading the plays, student projects applying their knowledge of the play, and evaluation of play productions. (JDD)

Capitalizes on students' interest in driving by using road signs, which are classified by shape as well as by color, to teach about geometric shapes. (HTH)

Provides an overview of the conceptual analysis of the unit fraction that provided the framework for developing a comprehensive array of fraction activities for fourth-grade students. Reveals the students' difficulties in learning the unit-fraction concept and discusses the didactical implications of these difficulties. Contains 15 references.…

Explains how teachers of students in grades four through six can use the Teaching Games for Understanding Approach and incorporate games invention into the physical education curriculum. A three-step model is proposed: selection and modification of games; teaching games with an understanding approach; and student invention of games. Summaries of…