Contends that, from the earliest possible moment and even before birth, it is apparent that babies respond to sound stimuli. Presents a series of music activities designed to make music an integral part of children's lives. Includes activities involving singing, rhythm, musical instruments, and listening to guest musicians in the classroom. (CFR)

Analyzed 34 environmental education studies published since 1974 that attempted to demonstrate changes in environmentally relevant knowledge, attitudes, or behaviors. Studies are divided into two major categories, in-class and out-of-class programs, and critiqued for findings and methodologies. Findings indicate that future research can refine…

Contends that social studies teachers are just as likely to experience student motivational problems as teachers of other subjects. Discusses issues related to student motivation and asserts that the teacher-student relationship is a critical variable. Presents and discusses 10 recommendations and classroom activities. (CFR)

Describes the Seventh Grade Tobacco Prevention (S.T.E.P.) program, evaluating its impact on adolescent tobacco use, tobacco knowledge, and beliefs about tobacco use. Results revealed that same-age peers had the least effect in changing the students' knowledge level, had a negative effect on changing students' beliefs, and had a negative effect on…

Describes an effort to teach French to boys with emotional and behavioral difficulties. The teaching used was based on lexical chunks of language rather than grammatical structures in order to create motivation and maintain interest in the short time available each week. The students greeted the lessons with enthusiasm and grew in self-esteem and…

Discusses environmental education, noting that teachers' science backgrounds are not nearly as important as their showing interest in children's experiences and discoveries, respect for environment, and encouragement of close observation of the world. Suggests that to help children understand and appreciate nature, teachers can focus on having…

A university supervisor conducted professional coaching sessions with three pairs of special education team teachers enrolled in a practicum, to increase positive teacher behaviors and decrease negative teacher behaviors. The coaching was found to be effective in improving teacher skills as well as in maintaining and generalizing the skills. (JDD)

Instruction types and amounts were observed for 30 educably mentally retarded, 30 learning-disabled, 32 emotionally/behaviorally disabled, and 30 nonhandicapped students in grades 2-4. The groups were compared on time allocation, grouping arrangements, student responding, qualitative nature of classroom instruction, and the home learning…

The author's personal experiences in overcoming mathematics anxiety provide insights into how teachers can create a classroom environment to help students develop self-confidence by assessing students' feelings, using cooperative-learning techniques, showing more patience, and having students write about their experiences. (MDH)

Notes that, as Head Start programs nationwide are finding increasing numbers of children displaying stressed behavior in the classroom, it is important to examine programs and to modify expectations and environments to better meet the needs of children. Offers advice on understanding stressed children's needs, classroom strategies for meeting…

A study of student/teacher interaction patterns in 11 Austrian grammar school mathematics classes was conducted to examine gender-specific classroom management methods. Results indicated no gender differences, but five types of gender-related modifications of the ordinary interaction patterns are identified that produce greater success for boys.…

Contends recent efforts in social studies reform have been mostly rhetorical and have not changed day-to-day work of teachers. Argues changes in teaching and learning may be real reform story of 1980s and 1990s. Describes work of the National Council for the Social Studies Task Force on Teaching and Learning and predicts it will have significant…

Looks at teaching methods and the effects on student performance. Examines beginning teachers interactions with 84 nonmusic major students. Assesses components of proactive teaching and self-perceptions of success. Focuses on teacher feedback in relation to student success. Recommends professionals apply task analysis principles to music learning…

Behavior analysis was implemented in a school for 38 children with multiple disabilities, following staff training. Results over two years showed educationally significant increases in trials taught, correct student trials, and objectives achieved. During followup, results indicated maintenance and social validity of the behavior analysis package.…

In 2 studies, 36 junior high students and 66 intermediate-level students with mild disabilities worked together to complete computerized instructional activities on capitalization and punctuation. The intervention produced significant increases in behaviors that were positively related with learning but did not produce significant increases in…