The organisational status and the main tasks of a university language centre are given different interpretations in different universities. Some language centres find themselves in a challenging situation where the centre's existence seems to be at stake, whereas others prosper and find positively encouraging opportunities for the future. All this…

This article describes the origins of and the planning involved in a successful school-based staff development program called "Teacher Sharing." The program is simple, informal, and based entirely on teacher input. (IAH)

Information is presented to help elementary principals manage and facilitate staff development, drawing upon research concerning effective schools, educational change, and leadership. Requisite knowledge and skills are proposed for principals, with recommendations provided for using staff development to effect school improvement. (SM)

Describes ways in which principals can use a two-phase staff development process to foster a strong sense of community and build an educational community. Benefits include higher staff morale, increased faculty cohesion, and a renewed dedication to teaching. (SM)

This study reviews current research on teacher mentors. Mentoring is defined as teacher-to-teacher coaching or counseling. The annotated bibliography covers articles that deal with: (1) descriptions and definitions of mentors; (2) mentoring as a vehicle used in teacher induction programs; and (3) the value of mentoring as a staff development tool.…

Discusses interrelations between administrators and faculty and how academic freedom can be negatively impacted. Suggests that by cutting costs and overloading faculty, administrators are contributing indirectly to a dissatisfied student. Addresses the importance of having a very clear grievance process composed primarily of elected faculty…

Outcomes and applications of Appalachia Educational Laboratory (AEL) study groups composed of teachers and administrators to investigate a single educational issue and develop a product of use to practitioners are described in this report. Contents include an introduction of the study group as a professional development tool, a discussion of the…

Long considered by its community and the Richmond County Schools' district administration "the worst middle school in the distict," the school (unnamed in the study) began a process of change in spring 1987. The instructional staff embraced a schoolwide staff development program designed to help both student achievement and school…

Focuses on recognizing key indicators for developing teamwork and collaboration among child care staff. Addresses communicating clearly, interacting respectfully, demonstrating trust, negotiating different perspectives, building on each other's strengths, and promoting reliability and responsibility. Identifies strategies to cultivate growth in…

Presents a dialogue between two experienced teacher educators as they consider ways to encourage teachers to examine their talk with children and with fellow teachers. Proposed ideas include: repeat words back, build on the other's interests and ideas, give specific praise when appropriate, state rules and expectations clearly, and encourage…

Educational supervision has historically sought to improve the quality of teaching. This book is a text for undergraduate and graduate students who are engaged in the study of issues in educational supervision; it is a compendium of informed commentaries on current issues written by prominent scholars in the field. The first part (12 chapters)…

Reviews research on the role of reflection subsequent to action research in the professional development of teachers. Discusses the use of reflection as a part of the learning process. Calls for partnerships within collaborative organizations that provide opportunities for interaction and reflection. (CFR)

As NAFTA opens the border between the United States and Mexico, the need for binational cooperation in education becomes ever more imperative. This chapter provides a rationale for binational education--the benefits of binational education both for language-minority students and for the majority culture--and describes a variety of cooperative…

Due to heavy teaching loads, high adjunct faculty numbers, and scheduling and commuting factors, community college faculty infrequently have the opportunity to share in a collegial forum. In an attempt to provide an opportunity for faculty to share innovative instructional strategies and discuss their work, Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC),…