Problem-based learning (PBL), as a student-centred learning method, refers to students actively participating in a group scenario to solve open-end problems. This study aims to compare the students' attitudes on PBL in Zhengzhou University and the University of Bristol. This study adopts qualitative methods. By conducting semi-structured…

This paper focuses on an analysis of an application of active learning in the international relations (IR) classroom. We present an experience of the so-called Challenge Game that allows the professor to explore analytical categories and basic assumptions of realist theory of IR. In addition, describing the operation of the game in its basic…

The present study aimed to examine the affordances and constraints of small-group discussions in relation to student teachers' learning of science. By drawing on variation theory, this study focused explicitly on the student teachers themselves as the primary agents for providing opportunities for their own learning of science. The results show…

In this article, the author describes the use of primary literature readings in an upper-division undergraduate field course. One of the two main learning goals of the course was to teach students how to read academic articles in economics with a critical eye. This was accomplished by providing students with a structured framework for summarizing…

The purpose of this study was to understand the ways doctoral students in an online Ed.D. program developed their skills as practitioner researchers through a project-based learning (PBL) experience. In order to describe and analyze the nature of the students' PBL experiences, case study methodology was used. Interviews, a video-recording of a…

Many instructors question the move to online teaching and learning and it is often met with resistance as they fear that on-line learning will be more structurally didactic. In particular, one of the major concerns is that the value of face-to-face discussions will be lost. This is a core concern for courses that require the development of…

Communal learning is a common paradigm for professional learning among teachers and teacher educators (TE). In this article, TE refers to faculty in institutions of higher education who train teachers. While the professional learning of teachers has been extensively studied, little is known about TEs' professional learning. This study contributes…

This paper explores the nature of prospective teachers' noticing of students' understanding as they analyze and discuss middle school students' understandings of trapezoids in micro-case videos in the context of geometry. In this exploratory study, the data were obtained from eight prospective middle school mathematics teachers through individual…

While the model of deliberative democracy gives a crucial role to dialog, empirical evidence has not yet established if discussion helps to reach a better understanding of political issues and, above all, if individuals are prepared to change their views. It is still unclear when the deliberative model, and more specifically discussion, could be…

This mixed-methods case study explored whether the write-converse-write (WCW) strategy impacted students' science conceptual understanding, as evidenced by their writing, along with the teacher and student perceptions regarding the strategy. The study was conducted in a small school district in northern California with three eighth-grade teachers…

Discussion forums are important components of online courses because of the collaboration and community they foster, and the language used within the discussion forums may be influential in this development. In particular, studying the gendered language patterns of discussion forums can help gain insight into students' state of mind and propensity…

Effective class discussions are often frustrated by dual challenges: lack of participation and poor quality of contribution. To address both challenges, we describe an experiential exercise for managing classroom discussion that is based on an adaptation of a classic creativity model. It motivates student participation by generating structured…

While the multiliteracies framework proposed two decades ago has had a considerable effect on the field of second language (L2) teaching and learning, its successful implementation has been found challenging, both on the conceptual and practical levels. In this paper, we discuss the main hurdles of putting the approach into practice and argue for…

Podcasts are audio files that are automatically delivered to the student's computer, smart phone, iPad or MP3/MP4 player. They can be automatically updated. Students typically subscribe to podcasts using "podcatcher" software such as iTunes. The present study proposes a model for integrating grammar podcasts in teaching English grammar…

Technology can help expand communities of practice in music education and promote a democratic schooling process vital to culturally sustaining pedagogy. Through careful and effective implementation, technology helps connect students to relevant musical communities and supports educators in achieving student-centered thinking and practices. The…