New Horizons for Learning: Observation Deck, April 2000

The United States continues to wage seemingly endless debates in education over whether content or process of learning is most important; whether project-based, constructivist learning is better than direct instruction; whether assessment should utilize information and skill-based standardized tests or methods that demonstrate comprehension and ability to apply learning. Meanwhile, many successful schools in this country and other parts of the world are moving ahead by developing and utilizing all of these alternatives as appropriate, and are implementing the most effective ways of helping students to become successful learners.

Some of these methods are described in new research by Bob Marzano at the Mid-Continental Regional Educational Laboratory in Colorado. He has identified nine categories of educational practice that have the greatest effect on student achievement. We will be posting his research in this issue of the Journal within the next month.

From New Zealand comes a new synthesis of the most effective teaching and learning practices that are being used in all settings including homes, schools, and businesses. Gordon Dryden and Jeannette Vos, in their book, The Learning Revolution, have described exemplary schools and educational systems throughout the world that demonstrate success in learning. (See book review below and website at www.thelearningweb.net)

Wadi Haddad, president of Knowledge Enterprise, Commissioner of Global Information Infrastructure Commission, and Special Adviser to the Director-General of UNESCO, continues to post news about the vital role of different information technologies, knowledge networks, and the latest systems and products being used throughout the world in his comprehensive website at www.TechKnowLogia.org.

Fred Mednick, head of the high school at the Bush School in Seattle, has created a website at www.teacherswithoutborders.com to link teachers on the high school level with colleagues throughout the world. The site includes a Virtual Teachers College and an Idea Exchange Forum that is filled with useful information. These new resources come at a time when many parents and teachers are seeking the best possible tools to help students meet new academic standards that require both the mastery of subject-matter and the ability to apply that knowledge in a variety of contexts as they continue to learn throughout life. We will continue to bring you current news on this topic.

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