This study investigates the role of teachers' feedback on achievement and behaviour in influencing students' peer acceptance, academic trait emotions as well as school well-being. Data derives from 970 fourth graders from inclusive primary schools (51% male, 49% female; 8% with special educational needs). Results showed that students perceive an…

According to attributional theory, when the application of effort leads to success we praise the achievement. Effort and ability, however, are seen as compensatory and thus, paradoxically, being praised can lead to attributions of low ability. Our study investigates whether praise, not for academic performance, but for social classroom behavior,…

Dealing with student errors is a central feature of instructional quality. Teachers' reactions to a student's error and classmates' errors can be crucial to the success of a lesson. A teacher should respond appropriately in terms of motivational and learning-related issues so that the error can become a learning opportunity for students.…

In 2008, we decided to investigate error learning processes in German vocational schools. Our focus was on accounting education because accounting is a central topic in commercial vocational education, and it is known to be error-prone. We therefore wanted to learn more about how well teachers diagnose student errors and how they react after…

Skipping a grade, one specific form of acceleration, is an intervention used for gifted students. Quantitative research has shown acceleration to be a highly successful intervention regarding academic achievement, but less is known about the social-emotional outcomes of grade-skipping. In the present study, the authors used the grounded theory…

An e-mail survey of 373 faculty members at six colleges and universities in the United States, Israel, and Germany revealed that student academic dishonesty (AD) is problematic at their institutions. Professors followed institutional policy but exercised discretion in handling specific cases of AD. They also engaged in varying levels of…

This article presents information on 2 international educational effectiveness studies, one completed and the other ongoing. The 2nd study is, to a large degree, a reaction to a methodological problem encountered in the 1st study, the lack of an internationally valid instrument measuring teacher effectiveness. This article presents 4 reasons for…

Discusses what may be considered aggressive behavior, what motivates aggressive students, and possible teacher responses to aggressive behavior. Describes four points on which teachers can focus to diminish the attractiveness of aggression and ensure that it is not rewarded. Identifies learning activities which provide aggressive students with the…

Presents the results of an evaluation study analyzing the application of peer group supervision at seven German primary schools. Investigates whether participation in school-specific groups that had been introduced in the method of peer group supervision leads to changes in teachers' consulting behaviors. (CMK)

The increased diversification of classrooms in recent years has placed additional demands upon teachers who strive to facilitate the learning and participation of all pupils. The aim of the current study was to explore how primary teachers across Europe understand and respond to diversity in their classrooms. A total of 35 teachers from 7…

Examines teacher effects on activity choices of boys and girls in a German kindergarten. Teacher's differential attraction for boys and girls is also considered. Results indicate that teacher presence has a marked impact on activity choices and suggests that the teacher has a stronger attraction for girls than for boys. (Author/AS)

Describes a combined initiative between Britain and Germany on educating secondary school students against racism and xenophobia. The development and planning of the initiative is outlined, including teacher responses. Concluding comments review some basic principles that emerged for future plans and some examples of how the initiative's aims…

Analyzes how locus of control affects teachers instructional perceptions, their perceived workload, and their professional satisfaction. Reveals that teachers emphasizing an internal locus of control are satisfied professionally, see teaching as demanding, and positively view their instructional practices; teachers emphasizing an external locus of…

Investigates the effects of teacher praise and criticism on the performance and self-perceptions of Chinese college students using replications of two German studies. Discusses similarities and differences in findings in light of the Chinese teacher-student relationship. (FMW)

Sketches major arguments in the discussion on school autonomy and links these with debates on school quality. Argues that although autonomy may entail debureaucratization, it does not require the withdrawal of the state. Shows how concepts of market and competition in pedagogical contexts differ from those in economic contexts. (DSK)