Reports a study of mathematical interactions and developing attitudes of children in transition from preschool to school. Two episodes of construction play were analyzed to suggest a model of autonomous learning. Access to self-regulatory social relations was closely linked to accessibility of mathematical meanings. Contains 59 references. (FDR)

Investigated relationship between students' classroom experiences and how they construct mathematical meanings. Suggests that students determine meaning or correctness of mathematical activity according to teacher, intuition, familiarity, and procedural knowledge. The teacher emerged as playing the most valued role in sense making and ratifying of…

A survey was conducted of 439 teachers in 73 high schools to determine how teachers become conversant with current mathematics curriculum development efforts. Data suggest that Australian mathematics teachers infrequently undertake professional development activities. The survey questionnaire is included in an appendix. (Author/DF)

Investigated relationships between children's fraction concepts and whole number concepts. Four second graders were interviewed four times each over a seven-week period. Findings suggested that the schemes to coordinate units were closely related to how the children understood fractions. (Author/CMS)

Describes the Leadership Institute for Environmental Education (LIFE Ed) program whose mission is to support teachers' leadership roles, enhance environmental education competencies, and present strategies for strengthening instruction in environmental education across the content areas. Activities include leadership building, extended staff…

Describes the steps involved in the development and installation of well-designed interpretive exhibits. Involves bringing together the right combination of skills, beginning with a broad base of input and paring down to a core team, and then assigning specific tasks to individuals. Discusses planning, conceptualizing, design process, production,…

Describes a project of the Hoosier National Forest that uses a combination of public involvement and a unique partnership with Indiana University to protect an abused wilderness using interpretation. (JRH)

Presents suggestions to handle children during an interpretive program and use their presence to enhance the program. Suggestions include make children feel they are part of the group, learn names, let them know who's the boss, use hands-on activities, let them help, focus their attention, include everyone, and give positive feedback. (JRH)

Discusses the development of wayfinding skills of individuals visiting wild land parks and the use of maps. Presents suggestions for improving these skills. Contains 26 references. (JRH)

Discusses the importance of understanding nonverbal communication in enhancing the personal and work relationships of interpreters and increasing their effectiveness in meeting the needs of customers. Discusses the mystique of body language, cultural variation in the use of gestures, the stages of an encounter, interpreting gesture clusters, and…

Presents suggestions aimed at helping interpreters work in a culturally diverse society. (JRH)

Examines a sample of 19th-century introductory chemistry textbooks used in the United States and evaluates how the intellectual ferment important to the chemistry of this period is represented in them. Discusses the change in the textbooks as the discipline became professionalized. Concludes that some textbooks shared the personal dimension of…

Examines the effects of cooperative learning and enhanced communication on student performance, retention, and attitudes in general chemistry. Results indicate that cooperative homework, cooperative quizzes, electronic-mail communication, and open office hours were associated with significantly higher student retention and higher performance on…

Describes a project that uses a multidisciplinary approach to problem solving in analyzing a crime scene and suspect evidence. Requires each student to work effectively in a team, communicate in both written and oral forms, perform hands-on laboratory manipulations, and realize that the entire class was depending on their individual contributions…

Describes a molecular dynamics simulator that employs ping-pong balls as the atoms or molecules and is suitable for either large lecture halls or small classrooms. Discusses its use in illustrating many of the fundamental concepts related to molecular motion and dynamics and providing a three-dimensional perspective of molecular motion. (JRH)