This paper presents the theories of L.S. Vygotsky as a conceptual framework for implementing instruction that supports concept development and promotes higher level thinking skills in students. Three major components (i.e., language, scientific and spontaneous concepts, and the zone of proximal development) of Vygotsky's socio-cultural-historical…

This study examined the effects of a prototype of motivationally-adaptive CAI (Computer Assisted Instruction), developed in accordance with the ARCS (Attention, Relevance, Confidence, Satisfaction) model of motivational design, on achievement, perceived motivation (both overall motivation and for each of the ARCS components), efficiency, and…

This paper reports the findings of a comparative case study designed to describe how the implementation of whole language, an educational philosophy influencing many of today's elementary schools, evolved in four school libraries in Virginia. The study examined the impact of whole language in terms of its effect on the library program and the…

This paper documents the methodology, research process, process interventions, and the resulting quality indicators of a technology staff development project. The project was designed to assist the administration at an elementary school in San Diego (California) in developing a capacity building model of staff development that would support the…

Presents a crucial German essay, originally published in 1958, that defined and introduced didaktik to a new generation of educators. In this incarnation, didaktik represents an educational approach that incorporates critical thinking (as defined by Adorno and Habermas) into both content and instruction. Briefly outlines the essentials of didactic…

Analyzes the blended learning environment in an introductory first-year writing course at Brigham Young University (Utah). The success of this course is compared with the tradition version of the course. The paper describes the process and outcomes associated with teaching and learning within a blended learning environment. (MES)

This collection of papers examines instructional environments for students with severe disabilities. It points out that two principles should guide the selection of all instructional environments for all types of learners at all stages of instruction: the environment should be the least restrictive environment possible and it should be the most…

This volume of 30 one- to two-page abstracts highlights a variety of innovative approaches to teaching and learning in the community college. Topics covered in the abstracts include: (1) music in the biology classroom; (2) pairing English as a second language and freshman composition students in writing activities; (3) moot court exercises in…

A cognitive task analysis was performed to analyze the key cognitive components of the en route air traffic controllers' jobs. The goals were to ascertain expert mental models and decision-making strategies and to identify important differences in controller knowledge, skills, and mental models as a function of expertise. Four groups of…

The guide is designed to help educators design math curricula to meet the needs of students of English as a Second Language (ESL) with limited or interrupted schooling in mathematics. It provides techniques for integrating mathematics and language teaching, especially through cooperative learning experiences, makes suggestions for inservice…

Intended for middle school instructors or teacher education students in middle school methods courses, this guide provides a practical, concise, criterion-referenced, performance-based mastery learning model for effective teaching. The guide is organized around four components: why the rationale to support the components that follow; what the…

This document explains Maryland's practical approach to developing student activities designed to facilitate high school students' transition to postsecondary education and/or the workplace. The document begins with an overview of Maryland's Career Connections initiative, which prepares for college and careers through the following: hands-on…

During June and July of 1997, the Maryland Community Colleges Technology Council conducted a survey of all 18 community colleges in Maryland to determine the existing state of campus instructional and administrative technologies, and to learn the technology needs and plans of the colleges for the following five years. The survey asked about…

This paper examines how the use of video has inspired and altered the implementation of teaching and learning in the delivery of a master's program offered in a distance learning format. In the process of this examination, technical issues concerning video production techniques, distribution, and utilization are also analyzed. The paper focuses on…

This study was conducted to examine teachers' knowledge of teaching mathematics and writing to diverse learners, and knowledge changes that occur over time, particularly during and after formal teacher education programs. Commonplaces of teaching were articulated as subject matter, learners, learning, and context. Three measurement instruments…