A study examined views of five adult English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) instructors of immigrants to Canada concerning their autonomy over curricular decisions, including classroom activities, curriculum guidelines, linguistic elements, teaching materials, needs assessment, assessment of learner proficiency, professional development, staff…

Abuse of medical students is discussed, based on recent national surveys and focusing on the most common forms, belittling and humiliation, which appear to be misguided efforts to reinforce learning. It is argued that use of such aversive methods is likely to foster insensitive and punitive behaviors, passed from teacher to learner and potentially…

We use dialogic theory to frame our conversation about how we are completing our Ph.D.s, in an attempt to help other students finish their degrees. Dialogic theory allows us to document how we think through the Ph.D. process, critically evaluate our experiences in graduate school, and transcend solely individualistic or structurally oriented…

The purpose of this article is to report findings regarding the needs of parents for information on communication development, to review the range of professionals whom parents frequently consult regarding communication development, to discuss the frequency with which professionals provide information on communication development to parents and to…

The development of quality learning materials using new technology requires the use of a wide range of skills beyond those possessed by many academic staff. Obtaining quality online learning experiences may require academics to work in teams with others who provide educational design support and technical expertise. The effective management of a…

This study explored the relationship between teachers' sense of efficacy and their willingness to engage in a work-focused, trusting, professional relationship with colleagues. Interviews and conference transcripts were gathered from 10 dyads of teachers from three elementary schools in a large Canadian city. Each dyad engaged in at least four…

A panel of student teachers reviewed information on perceived student teaching needs prior to and following special education student teaching experiences, focusing on needs regarding communication with the cooperating teacher. The panel created several lists of positive verbal and written supports for the special education student teacher. Uses…

In 1990-91, the Rockville Campus (RC) of Montgomery College (MC) in Maryland, revised its English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) program to make it more responsive to student needs and begin offering ESL courses for institutional credit in fall 1991. Faculty at MC's Takoma Park Campus (TPC), however, objected to RC's proposed changes, particularly to…

This study developed and tested a model for using peer coaching to improve college instruction of culturally diverse students. The model's four elements include: change based on collegial relationships combined with peer interactions; dealing with classroom problems through positive behavior change of professors; presentation of observation…

Although 80% of all administrative decisions are made at the department level, many community college department chairs accept their positions without a clear understanding of the demands or training in leadership skills. It is critical to a productive department, however, that chairs possess the leadership skills to shape their departments into…

The purpose of this action research study was twofold: first, to identify administrator behaviors which enhance or inhibit the development of trust between teachers and administrators; and, second, to improve trust through a collaborative administrator/teacher trust building program. The project involved the three schools (totalling seven…

This paper describes the inadequate leadership in service and educational delivery systems that affects adults with learning disabilities. The lack of leadership creates a situation in which there is no linkage among the professional communities dealing with learning disabilities, and no communication network to transmit knowledge. The problem is…

Causes of morale problems among faculty at Southwest Texas State University are discussed, along with suggestions to improve conditions. Causes include: real income decline, a deteriorating work environment, an inhospitable academic labor market, increasing disciplinary isolation and inequity, a demanding teaching load, high research demands, lack…

This report describes the Scarsdale, New York, Public Schools' mentor program for beginning teachers from the perspective of its second year (1986-87). In response to the challenge to provide support for new teachers and to vitalize an experienced staff, a collaborative program was developed among the Scarsdale Teachers Association, district…

Factors that affect interracial relationships of white faculty at predominantly black colleges are considered. Based on theoretical writings and research, five dynamics influencing black-white interaction are identified: prejudice and stereotyping, dominance by whites, racial role-playing, social acceptance/social distance, and value differences.…