Describes a course entitled Motivation and Classroom Management for preservice teachers at Texas Christian University that provides theoretical and philosophical foundations for examining research-based methods for developing positive social and academic learning environments to increase student motivation. During the course students develop their…

A survey of preservice and inservice teachers indicated high levels of expressed satisfaction with their special education methods course that focused on precision teaching. Approximately 50% had used the procedures since completion of the course in the content areas of geography, math, reading, science, vocabulary, spelling, sight vocabulary, and…

A study examined 48 fifth- and sixth-grade students' responses in cooperative small groups in mathematics. Findings indicated that students generally spent more time on-task, and especially more quality time on-task, in groups than in whole class settings, and students were more active participants in groups than in class settings. (TJQ)

Reports on the use of participant modeling in a study of 56 college-level students to reduce fear of laboratory rats. Discovers that even mild exposure reduced fear significantly. Finds that women were more fearful initially but that their fear reduction was equal to that of men. (CFR)

This article describes virtual reality (VR) technology and discusses its potential application to the teaching of social skills to children and youth with behavior disorders through the use of interactive role plays. Limitations of the current technology and difficulties inherent in modeling simulations of human behavior are noted, as are…

Maintains that there is nothing more relevant in the lives of middle school students than being caught up in the competitive spirit of a game. Describes the use of a football-type classroom game as a methodology for helping students plan for a unit test. Includes game objectives and step-by-step instructional procedures. (CFR)

Examines whether there are ways in which teaching can cater to the preferences of both sexes without prejudicing the success of either. The findings of two studies suggest the importance of addressing the different responses of boys and girls to particular classroom situations and the different learning strategies they employ. (10 references) (CK)

This article suggests specific strategies to prevent rejection and isolation and encourage interactions when students with disabilities are integrated into general education classes. Teachers are encouraged to foster proximity, teach peer support and friendship skills, foster respect for individual differences, and provide a positive model. (DB)

An instructional process for facilitating maintenance and generalization of academic skills is presented, using the ABCD'S (Antecedent Events, Behavior, Consequent Events, Data, and Setting Events) Generalization Intervention Model. (JDD)

This study demonstrated the effectiveness of history strategy instruction that emphasized problem-solution-effect analysis and linkage of knowledge, in teaching 24 junior high students with behavior disorders. Instruction included a scripted curriculum, student note taking, construction of timelines, vocabulary definitions, and reciprocal…

To shift educational research's focus from the rigorous study of individuals to whole learning environments, a systemic view of the classroom is proposed, with a list of seven generic components of the classroom environment. L. Guttman's Small Space Analysis is used, and a science teaching project illustrates the discussion. (SLD)

A study conducted with 105 university students investigated the effectiveness of using previous research findings as a means of teaching students how to interpret verbal and nonverbal behavior (decoding). Practice may be the critical feature for training in decoding. Research findings were successfully converted into educational techniques. (SLD)

Discusses the democratic learning approach to preservice teacher education in a limited number of British higher education institutions. Compares this approach in two teacher education programs. Concludes that democratic learning can be incorporated successful into a variety of subject specialties. (CFR)

Contends social studies is an exciting, relevant aspect of the curriculum, but it is often presented in a mundane and dated fashion. Reviews research on instructional processes and recommends teaching generalizations based on concepts grounded in fact. (CFR)

Presents activities to help teachers address the needs and behaviors of students raised on television; includes resources to help teachers use television productively in the classroom, a send-home reproducible on children and television violence, and notes on an interview with Shari Lewis and television tips for primary students. (SM)