This book explores how teachers use class meetings for a variety of purposes, from planning for a substitute teacher to planning a science unit. It also looks at how students can use class meetings to set class goals and monitor their progress in achieving them, to reflect on accumulated learning, and to solve common problems such as teasing,…

Two articles present suggestions for enhancing classroom management in creative ways. The first article describes how to use flexible seating arrangements to encourage cooperation, friendship, and community. The second article discusses how to encourage and work with classroom volunteers from the community. (SM)

This article discusses arguments for and against ability grouping as reflected in the literature and research work. Such tracking problems as segregation, stigma, and elitism are discussed, as are between-class vs. within-class grouping strategies and specifically designed programs for the gifted. (PB)

The article discusses methods of making the high school accounting class more appealing to attract more students. Methods include individual attention, in-class tutoring, no-grade evaluation, optional examination plan, career talk, success reinforcement, and others. (MF)

Discusses some of the principles of classroom management and discipline that can be used in the classroom. Includes avoiding distracting verbal exchanges, a management system, the use of verbal reprimand, room arrangements and isolation. Concludes that planning and attention to classroom management are worth the effort. (CW)

Ability grouping can impact students' self-esteem and cause segregation. Suggestions for using ability grouping beneficially include reassessing grouping assignments frequently, varying instructional levels and pace, assigning groups based on demonstrated needs and abilities, grouping students for only one or two subjects, and using ability groups…

When young children can solve problems in a nonthreatening classroom environment, they feel emotionally safe and can focus their efforts on learning. This book describes the use of class meetings in which early childhood teachers provide guidance in solving a problem or resolving a conflict to help children reach a solution that all can accept.…

To gather longitudinal student achievement data from schools utilizing the four-day week, Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) grade equivalent scores were obtained in 1984 from five rural Colorado school districts for four consecutive years--two years prior to and two years following the districts' change to the shortened week. A first analysis…

Outlines four stages of group development in the classroom (Inclusion and Membership, Establishing Shared Influence and Collaborative Decision Making, Pursuing Individual and Academic Goals, Self-Renewal: Adapting to Changes), exercises to facilitate each stage, and the teacher's role throughout. (LC)

Describes five successful geography courses centered around local studies for students in the lower ability range. Includes pollution, mapping, traffic surveys of cars and pedestrians, and discovering town trails. Journal available from Longman Group Ltd, Directories and Periodicals Division, 43/45 Annandale Street, Edinburgh EH7 4AT Scotland.…