Observation of two third-grade teachers during the opening days of school revealed different approaches to organizing their classes and instructing pupils on correct classroom behavior. The results of observation are given in narrative form and analyzed. Five principles that characterized the most effective teacher are presented: (1) The teacher…

The use of learning groups in the introductory psychology classroom at the University of Minnesota, General College, is discussed. Learning groups are used to get students to work together on tasks that teach them concepts or skills. It allows an active discovery process to take place as students use their own and other's resources while working…

In light of the importance of a teacher's managerial ability and the use of small and large group instruction to increase direct instruction time, teachers should apply specific managerial skills in their reading classes to ensure student learning. Successful teachers get to know their students, set instructional goals, and make sure students know…

The Classroom Pairing System (CPS) for second language instruction is a simple pattern practice technique that allows students to practice orally with a partner. An advantage of the technique is that it allows maximum time on task for each student in a large class. Students hold picture cards in their hands, and the partners ask and answer…

From observation-based effective schools research, five essential correlates have been identified: (1) purpose; (2) measurement; (3) leadership; (4) expectations; and (5) climate. This paper briefly describes all correlates and then focuses on climate and expectations as applied to improving science instruction. Although climate originally…

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…

Classroom observation of 28 third-grade teachers illustrated the management and planning strategies that differentiate effective teachers from less effective teachers. Effective managers communicated a workable system of rules and procedures, monitored students carefully, and were consistent in treating inappropriate behavior. Less effective…

Reviews research in the areas of classroom organization and management, delineating the principles underlying a comprehensive approach to these areas. (MP)

A mainstreaming project was carried out in Toronto, Canada, in which four deaf students, ages 5 through 8, were integrated into a classroom of hearing students in grades 1 and 2, for 1 hour, 5 days a week, to participate in a writing program adapting the Graves-Giacobbe process writing model outlined in Donald Graves'"Writing Teachers and…

In order to discover how teachers structure the school day, this study examined the relationship between the sequencing, number, and duration of Gump's (1969) "activity segments" and the transitions between them. Detailed notes were written by an observer in 96 hours of observations of four primary and four intermediate classrooms. The…

Before they attempt to organize their classrooms to meet varying student needs, secondary teachers should establish a comprehensive framework for their instructional program, based on a diagnostic plan and on an instructional plan. Many different organizational strategies have been found successful by secondary teachers, both for teaching reading…

Investigated whether teachers involved in a classroom management inservice program would demonstrate more of the recommended teaching behaviors than teachers not so trained, and whether students in the classes of those teachers would spend more time engaged in appropriate learning activities than those in other classes. (FL)

Through observation of teacher language responses, this study examined interaction practices that inhibited, ended, or sustained children's classroom participation. Thirty early childhood educators were observed during 105 30-minute language art classes; 998 female and 1,188 male K-4th grade students were observed. Interactions were coded into one…

This paper includes a discussion of the problem of multilevel Latin classes, a description of various techniques and perspectives the teacher might use in dealing with these classes, and copies of materials and exercises that have proved useful in multilevel classes. Because the reasons for the existence of such classes are varied, it is suggested…

Data for this study were collected by observing 60 secondary school English classes over a four-month period. The principals of six schools chose 15 of their most effective teachers to be observed. Four questions were addressed: (1) How do teachers and students spend classroom time together?; (2) What instructional processes are used most often?;…