Every class has a first day, yet many professors only read the syllabus to students rather than more intentionally leveraging the day to set up understandings that enhance learning and classroom management. Logic, experience, and research indicate that it is not just content expertise that matters to student experience and learning: it is also the…

Provides an overview of the arguments for and against block scheduling in the social studies. Teachers appreciate the extra time to develop key concepts, incorporate creativity in their instruction, and implement a variety of class activities. Reviews relevant procedures and teaching skills and recommends strategies for improving the…

This digest discusses block scheduling and it relates to teaching standards, staff development standards, and assessment standards. The standards are examined in terms of how they can be achieved through the use of block scheduling, and conclusions stress the necessity of scheduling for maximum student learning. (DDR)

Asserts that longer class periods must be approached and planned in a completely different manner than shorter periods. A 90-minute period requires a higher degree of teacher preparation and a critical focus on objectives and planning. Includes a summary of questions, predictions, and findings from teachers. (MJP)

Described is an instructional program built upon the accessibility of audiovisual media and materials. "It is an exciting instructional model which permits a flexible learning environment for students, for university students in teacher education, and for practicing teachers in the field." (Author/LS)

Several methods for formulating secondary school capacity are outlined. Consideration of the relationship between educational program and pupil capacity is emphasized. (MD)

Intended as a resource for administrators, teachers, parents, and those responsible for curriculum development, this guide identifies the elements of a kindergarten program which provides a productive learning experience for 5-year-old children. Four main elements are highlighted as prerequisites for an effective kindergarten program. First, the…

This research brief reviews selected 1986 publications concerning the effects of class size on student achievement, attitudes, and behavior. The following points are made: (1) smaller classes in the lower grades have a positive effect on student learning attitudes and behavior; (2) minority, disadvantaged, and low-achieving students perform better…

This paper discusses the challenges and difficulties of adopting new "authentic" methods of instruction that help students not only learn but also develop habits that enable them to use their knowledge more effectively. "Authentic" methods of instruction are defined as those that require students to produce (not just reproduce) knowledge relevant…

Educators' main concern in 1956 is with teaching in small communities rather than exclusively with teaching in one-teacher schools. The modern rural school is likely to be one which serves an entire community, usually including a hamlet, village, or small-town center and the surrounding open country area. Yet, the school tends to be small (about…

The authors describe a zone defense schedule (ZDS), a system for organizing the staff and environment of a preschool classroom. Specifically, it is used to organize the roles of adults in the classroom so that transitions between activities are easier for children and provides greater opportunity for teaching (both during the transition and…

An attempt to provide college professors more contact with the classroom situations that their students will face as teachers is reported in this edited account of the experiences of 13 professors in a pilot study which was aimed at teaching the disadvantaged (reluctant learners). Included in the first sections are brief descriptions of the…