Education Commons^™

Problem-Based Learning: A Practical Process For A More Promising Future, Angie Ryken

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

A perpetual issue m American society is that of the comprehensive goal of its educational system. A prevailing conviction among researchers, teachers, lawmakers, and parents is that the purpose of this country's schools is to cultivate effective thinking in students. In a society that exhibits complex and threatening problems, noted Raymond Nickerson , we cannot afford not to develop good thinking (Baron & Sternberg, 1987).

Gifted Education And The Middle School Reform Movement : Finding The Basis For Collaboration Through Interdisciplinary Instruction, Sandra H. Christ

Graduate Research Papers

This review reflected on literature from gifted education and the middle school movement. Its purpose was to look for common beliefs as a basis for collaboration on interdisciplinary curriculum/instruction. Sources of information include personal observations and experiences, university library materials, and ERIC and World Wide Web searches.

A shared enthusiasm for interdisciplinary instruction and many of its benefits offers an encouraging sign for collaboration. Gifted education and the middle school movement share an understanding of the nature of interdisciplinary instruction and share the belief that students will benefit from higher achievement, increased connections, and strengthened learning concepts. However, caution is …

Classroom Teacher Cadres: A Partnership Between Agencies That Is Designed To Inspire And Model "Best Teaching/Learning Practices" For Student Teachers, Richard G. Stahlhut, Richard R. Hawkes

Faculty Publications

This paper describes how the University of Northern Iowa constructed formal networks that increased communications with public school practitioners and infused new ideas into the teacher training program. Faculty in the Office of Student Field Experience decided all regional campuses of the university should provide some common experiences for teacher trainees; including not only a common core curriculum; but similar structures for delivery as well. The core curriculum was built on five ingredients: teaching experiences; seminars; journals; conferences; and action research projects. Each regional partnership agreed to arrange pre-student teaching field experiences and a semester of student teaching; as well …

Integrating World Wide Web Searching Skills Into World Geography Information Skills Curriculum, Karla Steege Krueger

Graduate Research Papers

World Geography I students' experiences searching for information using preselected bookmarked sites on the World Wide Web were studied. Fifty-three ninth and tenth grade students in two sections of World Geography I at New Hampton High School in New Hampton, Iowa, were taught how to use bookmarks on the World Wide Web to retrieve information for a European Dream Vacation Itinerary. Students worked in pairs on the assignment. Each pair of students was given 30 minutes of class time to search the bookmarked sites and was required to find one item for its itinerary on the World Wide Web. Following …