Describes a simple exploratory teaching model including exploration and codification phases. Reports the findings of a small-scale action-research project to implement and evaluate it. Concludes that there was no underachievement for the exploratory approach, and a strong association between student performances for routinized mathematical…

Includes a preface and two articles: "Rhetoric in Action: Roger's Social Studies Classroom" and "Rhetorical Understandings for Social Studies Teachers." Details how one teacher applies rhetorical principles to teaching, so that student learning, enjoyment, and motivation increase. Focuses on the definitions and principles of…

A teacher describes the use of cluster grouping to meet the needs of six gifted students in her heterogeneous classroom. Considered are the definition and rationale for cluster grouping, classroom structure, cluster identification and profile, facilitation of cluster curriculum differentiation, teacher perceptions, and student/parent perceptions.…

Describes students' views on how teaching methods could be improved. Suggestions for teachers include deemphasizing errors, providing a pleasant atmosphere, showing enjoyment, bringing in humor, admitting mistakes, giving homework, and letting students talk. (SRT)

Performance assessment, a method that makes possible the assessment of multiple dimensions of students' progress, including dispositions, is described. Criteria for good performance tasks are given, and their structure is illustrated through an example. A list of 10 dispositions toward mathematics and a self-evaluation group-performance rating…

This book provides teachers with strategies for maintaining and increasing appropriate behaviors as well as for preventing and remediating inappropriate behaviors. The 15 chapters provide suggestions and approaches to managing, motivating, and teaching students of all ability and motivational levels. The first three chapters address goals for…

A conflict resolution curriculum is suggested as a pilot program in a classroom for students with behavior disorders, as these students have more referrals for detention and suspension and more encounters with law enforcement agencies than do other students. Using a modeling approach, all students would subsequently benefit, as the program expands…

This book presents a curriculum to educate students about the risk of AIDS and HIV infection. The opening chapters of the book presents a discussion of: how teachers can create an environment of support for an AIDS education program; the political and educational implications of winning principal, district, and parental support for an AIDS…

Examines teaching methods in elementary social studies classrooms. Interviews fifth and sixth grade students regarding their perceptions of social studies. Finds instruction relies heavily on textbooks. Shows half of the students dislike social studies. Includes students' verbatim comments. Designs teaching approaches based on students' preference…

Authors who have reviewed the literature on teaching and learning in U.S. history and in social studies have argued that a need exists for comparative case studies of teachers' history and social studies teaching practices and the influence that these practices have on students, especially at the elementary school level. This report, which is…

This paper emphasizes the significance of cultural diversity in American schools and its implications for the teaching and learning processes. Also highlighted is the importance of the realization that diversity is what makes the United States unique. The paper discusses the cultural dynamics of clashes and conflicts as well as of cooperation and…

This guide explains the philosophy of "learner-centered schools." The term holds a variety of meanings for educators, such as the use of learning centers for a theme, topic, or subject area, alternative assessments in which students are evaluated in innovative ways, or continuous progress models with integrated thematic instruction and…

This report examines the biography, elementary school social studies teaching goals, and specific U.S. history-social studies goals and curriculum mediation practices of one fifth-grade teacher, Ramona Palmer. Daily lessons and classroom teacher-student interactions are described in detail as Palmer moved through a 6-week unit on the American…

This paper reports the findings of a year-long study of 11 preservice teachers' perceptions of the first year of a teacher preparation program. These students were interviewed individually at least four times, and reported that learning concrete teaching methods was one of the most valuable aspects of their preparation because these methods could…

An important component of sound middle school education is a commitment to providing coordinated advising and counseling services in the school setting. This handbook describes how middle school professionals can develop small group advisory support for each student. Known variously as home-base, advisor-advisee, or teacher advisory (TA) programs,…