Discusses the differences between traditional pedagogical methods and small-group cooperative learning. Describes the benefits of the cooperative approach, including emphasis on learning rather than on competition, improved comprehension, and increased social awareness. Provides hints for administrators implementing cooperative learning programs.…

Teaching students to act as citizens significantly enhances preparation for college and career. It is incumbent upon the National Council for the Social Studies to provide guidance to states and local districts to develop social studies standards to achieve this goal. The recommendations presented here focus on the principle that standards…

While the concept of the teaching portfolio is variously defined, portfolios generally provide the opportunity to display teaching abilities and accomplishments, as well as reflect on one's teaching. In using teaching portfolios, the departmental chairperson must create a climate in which faculty understand that putting together a portfolio will…

This annual journal issue contains 24 papers on issues of faculty development, instructional improvement, knowledge and teaching, and communication in higher education. Many of the papers were developed for the annual conference of the Professional and Organizational Development Network in Higher Education (POD). The papers are: (1) "Teaching…

Establishing instruction in heterogeneous small groups as standard practice in middle-grade classrooms is a central goal of present reform efforts. Addresses the following: (1) the nature of the curricular materials; (2) the organization of the classroom for groupwork; and (3) the provision of providing access to learning for all students in the…

This annual journal issue contains 20 papers on issues of faculty community, the inclusive institution, instruction, and faculty development in higher education. Many of the papers were developed for the annual conference of the Professional and Organizational Development Network in Higher Education (POD). The papers are: (1) "The Spirit of…

Reviews the debate about history education and curriculum restructuring in Great Britain. Discusses three aspects of these efforts: (1) public discussion about the emerging national history curriculum; (2) attention to promote experiential learning outside the classroom; and (3) increased awareness of the role of American studies. (CFR)

This document summarizes seven speeches on educational issues in Wisconsin. Dr. Ernest Boyer advocates recognition and reward for quality teachers and identifies developing language skills as the essential purpose of public education. Dr. Carolyn Warner defends free public education and criticizes tuition tax credits. Dr. James Rutherford urges…

The principal authors of a new book, "Profiling Excellence in America's Schools," state that leadership is the single most important element for effective schools. The generic skills of leaders are flexibility, autonomy, risk taking, innovation, and commitment. Exceptional principals and teachers take their leadership and management roles…

The decisions that administrators make touch every facet of the institutional experience and fundamentally affect teaching and learning. Research shows, however, that administrators do not always recognize their influence nor their responsibility for the quality of instruction. A study of one urban community college district revealed an unforeseen…

Within the next two decades, calculators will be standard tools in mathematics classrooms. They should be used regularly but carefully in classroom instruction and testing to allow use of realistic data and exploration of mathematical concepts, but not to allow finding the answer without understanding the question. (MSE)

Collaborative Learning (CL) is a form of instruction in which small groups of students work together on tasks utilizing set structures and specific time limits that are controlled by the teacher. At Erie Community College (ECC) in Buffalo, New York, several structured activities for CL have been developed for use in the classroom. In the…

Proposing that Socratic seminars can lead to true educational reform, this article examines the use of these seminars to enlarge elementary and secondary students' understanding of ideas and to encourage instruction that is not restricted by established syllabi, courses, or examinations. Socratic discussion is lacking in most classrooms but should…

This annual journal issue contains 17 papers on issues of faculty development, instructional improvement, faculty collaboration and collegiability, students, and educational practices in higher education. Many of the papers were developed for the annual conference of the Professional and Organizational Development Network in Higher Education…

Argues that too much instructional time is being wasted in today's classrooms and cites some of the most common time-wasters, along with possible remedies. (CJH)