Developments in Educational Technology during the last three decades, has provided both learners and instructors with a rich source of instructional material. Although we welcome the increasing use of digital material in the classroom environment, we argue that the learner is still remains as a passive actor in the educational process. In this…

This study examined the effects of color and light on the learning of eleven 6-year-old elementary school students. The students were videotaped to identify off-task behaviors and had their blood pressure measured while in a standard classroom with white walls and cool-white fluorescent lights, as well as in a classroom with light blue walls and…

To determine the effects of interruptions on teachers' and pupils' morale and work, a descriptive correlational study was conducted using a survey of 65 teachers and 62 pupils in 8 urban elementary schools. The survey, conducted from November 1980 through June 1981, consisted of open-ended and closed-ended items and was administered to teachers…

This document offers perspectives on the concepts of environment and order related to the classroom setting. Environment is explained as the physical milieu, action structure, and the fit between these phenomena. Order can refer to the system being "in order" or to the participants being on task. Examples are presented of relationships…

This study examined the impact of smaller class size on elementary student achievement, focusing on types of instructional strategies utilized, student time on task, academic focus of the classroom, and types of interactions between teachers and students and between students and students. Two long-term class size reduction sites in North Carolina…

Research has identified several aspects of effective teacher behavior, as measured by student performance. Three aspects of effective teacher behavior are in the areas of instruction, management, and acceptance. Instructionally, teachers should try to provide more variety to deal with different learning styles; they should ask purposeful questions…

A description is presented of an improvement program that focused upon a small, flexible, open primary school. The school had been targeted for improvement because of rather low test scores. Improvement efforts focused on findings from four basic strands of school research: (1) structured learning environment; (2) academic feedback; (3) high…

The study evaluated the reliability and validity of SCAN, a measurement technique for assessing class involvement in the learning process (classroom climate for learning). Concurrent validity was investigated by comparing SCAN ratings to a point-sampling of on-task performance behaviors. The Engaged Time Observation Instrument (ETOI) was used to…

Methods and procedures were developed for monitoring and evaluating classrooms on critical dimensions derived from process-product research. The evaluation process for each of these student behaviors, related to improving academic achievement, is described. The dimensions include student engaged time, which is a product of allocated time and…

The major emphasis in the studies considered in this paper is on the role of the teacher as a professional with particular expertise and specific but limited responsibilities to students and parents, and with certain rights as the instructional leader and authority figure in the classroom. According to research studies, a comprehensive approach to…

The extent of variety in structure and format of teaching mathematics in fifth grade classrooms and its relation to student attention was studied. The data for this study consisted of observations made in eighteen math classes for a period of six to ten days with a mean of over eight days. Seatwork and recitation accounted for over 95 percent of…

Findings of a study that examined the effects of teacher behavior and organizational factors on student behavior in peer work groups are presented in this paper. Methodology included observation of one classroom from each of 10 Dutch elementary schools that frequently used forms of peer work groups and teacher interviews. Findings indicate that…

This paper presents findings of a study that examined the influence of organizational and instructional factors on the efficacy of cooperative learning in Dutch classrooms, as measured by student achievement. To answer the question "What is the degree to which primary schools in the Netherlands use cooperative learning," a questionnaire…

A field experiment was conducted to determine whether descriptive-correlational results from classroom management research could be implemented by junior high school teachers, and whether such implementation would result in improved classroom management. An experimental group (18 teachers) received management manuals developed by researchers, and…

Focusing on one aspect of a study examining the child-staff ratio in California state-subsidized day care centers, this paper explores the relationship between indicators of quality and the behavior of children in day care centers. In fall 1990, trained observers spent a week in 122 day care classrooms throughout California. During this time they…