In the 1950s and 1960s, students practiced ducking under their desks in case of an atomic bomb attack. We know that this was silly and provided no protection and many school practices that are popular today are equally silly. This book explores a wide range of what the authors label "duck and cover" policies--ideas that may have started…

Maria Montessori developed a form of education in the first half of the last century that came to be called by her surname, and research indicates it often has positive outcomes. In the years since its development, tens of thousands of schools worldwide have called their programs "Montessori," yet implementations vary widely, leading to…

Tennessee's Project STAR, a randomized experiment involving almost 12,000 pupils, demonstrated convincingly that small classes in the early elementary (K-3) grades increase pupil performance, reduce the test-score achievement gap between or among different social groups, and can have long-lasting effects. The benefits are greater for minority…

Presents the results of a study where researchers noted the correct answers on quizzes, returned the quizzes and allowed students to grade them, and noted discrepancies in the scores. Reveals that cheating is unrelated to gender, religion, or overall grade point average, but positively associated with poor performance in class. (MJP)

An attempt was made at Mountain Empire Community College to develop and implement an impartial and equitable method of faculty evaluation. As part of this process, an instrument was developed to provide both a quantitative and qualitative student rating of faculty. The instrument contains 10 questions covering the syllabus/course outline,…

The reorganization of home economics recommended in this report involves important and far reaching changes in both teaching and administration. The committee in home economics distinguishes two types of courses which it designates as general and intensive. To achieve the necessary results in the general courses, teachers must be broadly trained,…

Reviews studies on occupational stress among teachers in British schools. Considers the prevalence of self-reported occupational stress, sources of stress, symptoms and effects, and coping actions. Argues that, in view of changes in education, further research is needed to provide updated information on which to base an understanding of teacher…

Reports that the debate over class size in schools has become more heated in recent years. Examines recent research and attempts to answer three questions regarding class size and academic achievement. Concludes that there is a link between the 2, but only in the early years and only with classes smaller than 20 students. (CFR)

Describes and evaluates televised lectures that were added to a geography course to accommodate classroom overflow. Comparisons of academic performance between attendees of the live lectures and the broadcast audience revealed no significant difference. Survey questionnaires indicate that students felt the televised method to be valuable. (MJP)

Examines the nature and purpose of fieldwork in geographical education. Contrasts traditional geography education (small number of students, faculty led fieldwork) with "new" education (vast increase in students coupled with a decrease in education funding). These changes are unsettling but offer opportunities for innovation. (MJP)

Questions major participants in England's school system about the problem of increasing class size. Assesses several broad areas affected by class size, including children as learners, management of resources, decision making, and teachers' classroom practices. Discovers a general consensus of concern over increasing class size. (MJP)

Discusses the development and implementation of small group work focusing on seminar presentations and term papers in a microclimatology class. The class utilized peer- and self-assessment strategies developed in conjunction with a university department of education. Responses both from teachers and students were positive. (MJP)

Considers the fact that despite increased class size and limited instructional resources the overall performance of students in geography in the United Kingdom has improved. This is attributed to changes in teaching, learning, and assessment methods. Small, workshop-based discussion seminars and active learning have replaced traditional lecture…