This issue focuses attention on research-based tools and professional development, illustrating how they come together in ways that support better teaching and improved learning. In the feature article, "Bringing the Picture of Classroom Instruction into Focus," author Jessica Johnson introduces a new classroom survey tool developed in…

This report compares findings from application data the End of Training surveys administered to Master Teachers (MTs) participating in the Classic version of Intel Teach to the Future and those who took part in the Expansion version of Intel Teach to the Future. Classic survey data were collected between March 2001 and July 2002. Expansion survey…

Just as K-12 technology programs should be based upon technological literacy standards, so should professional development programs be based upon the same standards. This ensures that both teacher candidates and practicing teachers are prepared to deliver the content that their students will be expected to know, be able to do, and understand.…

The need for civic education is an important and urgent issue throughout the world, particularly in the Chechen Republic, which is undergoing transition from a war culture to a peace culture. The European Commission, together with the Council of Europe and other entities, held a training seminar on civics teaching for teachers and school…

This book is intended to provide teachers with research information and practical ideas for modifying assessments to make them more equitable and beneficial for all students. It encourages teachers to recognize the diverse sociocultural factors that contribute to students' identities in order to accurately and equitably assess their learning. The…

Problem-based learning and teaching with case studies are instructional approaches that are increasingly being applied in a variety of disciplines, such as business, law, medicine, and education. Although there are texts available that offer examples of what works and what to avoid when teaching with cases, instructors exposed to traditional…

This research presents a preliminary overview of the teaching practices of fourth grade teachers throughout the state of New Jersey. These teachers were all involved in professional development experiences designed to help them revise their approach to the teaching and learning of mathematics. In this aspect of the study, we observed at least…

This Digest examines school districts' efforts to reap the greatest benefit from smaller classes. Although the report discusses teaching strategies that are most effective in small classes, research has shown that teachers do not significantly change their teaching practices when they move from larger to smaller classes. Smaller classes mean…

Intended for use by teams of educators to spark discussion about current practices and how well their own approaches match identified best practices, this poster suggests nine effective literacy practices associated with improved student performance in the early grades. The nine practices are from a study of elementary schools with higher than…

Ways that teacher centers can help teachers deal with their problems are explored. (JD)

Characterizes and classifies the way junior high school science teachers incorporate Web-based learning environments and materials into their teaching. Applies qualitative interpretive methodology and identifies four basic types of science teachers based on professional growth and beliefs about Web-based teaching: (1) the initiator and pathfinder;…

Presents Grabiner's Use-Discover-Explore-Define (UDED) paradigm as a tool for a teachers' own acquisition of authentic historical accounts of the evolution of mathematical topics and as a pedagogical stratagem for their students as well. (KHR)

A study examined the effectiveness of a training procedure in teaching a special educator the constant time delay procedure and the effectiveness of the procedure in teaching spelling to a 12-year-old with learning disabilities. The teacher successfully implemented the procedure and the student learned to spell all 15 words. (Contains references.)…

Reports on a refresher training program that introduces experienced physics teachers to a reflective lesson-planning model and a more constructivist approach to physics teaching. Three instructional strategies developed by participants in the program and the corresponding suggestions made by their peers are presented and analyzed. (29 references)…

Some considerations and proposals are introduced to improve the efficiency of information management training based on the results of experiments done in this field. The integration of different parts of the information training program into scientific and technical specialties curricula is discussed. (KR)