The experimental treatment administered in this study was the training of teachers to utilize interpersonal skills in the classroom. The training process consisted of three elements: (1) development of skills in the measurement of one's own teaching behavior, (2) individual feedback of the analysis of instruction samples provided by each teacher…

This investigation focused on teachers' questioning skills and the use of wait time (length of pauses after questions). A sample of 40 experienced middle school science teachers from 5 suburban school districts in 1 central New York State county was divided into 4 treatment groups of 10 teachers each. One group received instruction in wait time…

Techniques for teachers to use in asking questions and encouraging critical thinking in the classroom are offered. Discussion includes components of an effective question and methods for getting students interested, promoting success, and providing useful feedback. (MSE)

This article summarizes literature that examines the use and effect of teacher praise on academic and behavioral outcomes of students with emotional and behavioral disorders. Methods for monitoring and increasing teachers' use of effective praise are provided and include peer coaching, structured observation, training, and self-evaluation.…

Writing conferences enable student writers to get feedback and make improvements as they write. Both teachers and students see writing as an evolving process rather than as a unalterable product to be corrected. Tips on how to manage conferences and examples of their use with students are given. (PP)

A quantitative summary of 15 studies indicated that African-American/Latino students receive more negative feedback from teachers in the classroom than do Euro-American students. In addition, teachers interact less frequently with African-American/Latino students than Euro-American students. No difference based on race existed in the amount of…

This document reports on a study to examine the relationship of prospective teachers' egalitarian attitudes or "beliefs about the equity of males and females in school or university settings." Research focused on the extent of preservice teachers' knowledge about gender-equitable classroom practices and egalitarian attitudes. Study…

This digest reviews behaviors and instructional strategies that enable teachers to build stronger teaching/learning relationships with students from culturally diverse backgrounds. Strategies include: (1) appreciate and accommodate the similarities and differences among the students' cultures; (2) build relationships with students; (3) focus on…

To provide classroom teachers with an understanding of some of the properties of language and of their effects on classroom interaction, this booklet reviews research in the area and offers teaching suggestions based upon that research. The first section of the booklet presents an overview of the American idea of language "correctness" and its…

This paper reviews significant research findings from the past 10 years which demonstrate that teachers' attitudes, expectations, and behavior have significant practical effects on student achievement. Although causes of differential interaction are not definitely established, it is clear that many teachers vary sharply in their interaction…

Analysis of feedback provided by 40 teachers in self-contained special education classes serving learning disabled, emotionally handicapped, or educable mentally retarded students discerned no differences by type of handicap involved or in comparison to regular classroom teachers. Results raised questions concerning the appropriateness of…

This digest provides an overview of considerations for teaching students with autism. General considerations for providing effective instruction for students with autism include: (1) ensure that the student is in good health, free from pain and irritation, and in a safe, stimulating, and pleasurable setting; (2) provide structure in the…

This module, prepared by the Minnesota State Department of Education in conjunction with its school effectiveness program, addresses the concept of teacher expectations. The first section delineates the feedback process involved in teacher expectations and lists nonacademic factors that can adversely influence a teacher's academic expectations for…

This article examines the role of social context in teaching and learning at the college level and reviews principles of six research and conceptual approaches which address social context: the transactional perspective; student-centered instruction; cooperative learning; communication theory; group-process theory; and curricular/structural…

This guide addresses problems in communication occurring between teachers in training and their observers/trainers, particularly after an observation session. It presents a series of activities intended for workshop use and designed to encourage communication that conveys intention and meaning more effectively. The activities include exercises in…