The authors respond to the commentaries on a series of articles (in the March 2009 issue of "Educational Researcher") that discuss the challenges associated with measuring reading instruction. The authors argue that the teaching of reading is a complex, multifaceted phenomenon best studied through a variety of overlapping and complementary…

This commentary highlights convergent themes from four articles in the March 2009 issue of "Educational Researcher" on measuring classroom instruction. Classroom instruction is a complex enterprise that occurs at the intersection of teachers, students, and texts within the surrounding classroom, school, and community environments. Progress in…

This article explores the nature of self-study of teacher education practices by examining what self-study is and how it might be conducted and reported. In working through these ideas, the article makes an argument for the need for learning through self-study to be documented in ways that might not only be accessible to others but also meaningful…

Suggests that fostering dependence on techniques along, without developing awareness of how techniques relate to theoretical principles, militates against healthy development in the English language teaching profession. Argues that teachers who see research as part of their role are likely to view their work more positively than teachers who are…

Describes radical pedagogy and observes that an overview of "Teaching Sociology" suggests that few teachers fully practice it. Argues that while professors are free to teach radical theory, radical pedagogy is hindered by institutional constraints. Concludes that radical teachers may benefit from remaining more within the confines imposed by their…

One effective method to improve the learning of science is through case study teaching. Teachers use realistic or true narratives to provide opportunities for students to integrate multiple sources of information in an authentic context, and may engage students with ethical and societal problems related to their discipline. However, little…

Two principles necessary for integrating the native language and second language approaches to language instruction are discussed: (1) that such an integration must be viewed as a meeting, not of subject areas but of professional competencies and (2) that languages must be considered not as separate systems but as a continuum. (MSE)

Explores the way a high school teacher's intuitive teaching principles developed over time through an autobiographical analysis. Employs a tennis metaphor to describe feelings about the teaching process. Opines that it takes "not thinking too much" to teach well. (DSK)

Any policy of educating people for relationships incorporating the use of small groups should be based on an understanding of the method and the necessary training, according to the author, who discusses various group work practice methods that have been used and problems in some of the techniques. (MF)

This paper introduces and compares three types of college level teaching: discussion, lecture, and personalized systems. The discussion method is described and identified as one that allows the learner to question and probe, giving increased internalization, greater acceptance of conclusions than other teaching methods, and other benefits. The…

Translates research concerning direct and nondirect instruction into workable patterns by clustering teacher behaviors included in instructional organization and management and describing teacher as center of attention in classroom. Rationale for patterns of instruction, description and example of how they may be used, and an observation…

Reviews the structure of intelligent computer assisted instruction (ICAI) systems, gives some examples of such systems, and discusses their relative strengths and weaknesses. Four references are listed. (MBR)

Suggests lessons and ideas about teaching and research that can be drawn from a teacher's experiences in two research projects. Considers developmental and situational dynamics in teaching. Describes how researchers' intentions and expectations frame and focus research findings. Explains how the description of teaching can become an intervention…

Argues that, without changes in methods of teaching social studies, curriculum reform can only provide an illusion of educational change. Observes that little has been published in 25 years of "Theory and Research in Social Education" on methods. Discusses three historical meanings that "method" has had since the 1880s. (DSK)

Drawing on the examples of a successful classroom teacher who does "what works" and a former student disenchanted with the behavior modification approach to teaching exceptional children, the author encourages teacher instruction in critical thinking and a wide range of teaching theories and methodologies. (JBM)