Considers the influence of noncognitive or affective factors (those which govern a person's feelings) on student learning and achievement. Reviews studies focusing on anxiety, locus of control, student age differences, and instructional style. (MB)

Discusses a California case involving a tenured professor's controversial teaching style, which focused on "obscene" topics and assignments that allegedly humiliated female students. The professor eventually prevailed in a Ninth Circuit appeal. The lesson: when attempting to eradicate sexual harassment, we cannot abandon important First…

This case study of grade 7, 11-12 year old students in the United Kingdom embedded ICT (information and communication technology) within an existing scheme of work to develop skills and processes involved in historical investigation, using characters from the Harry Potter books. Also examined teachers' teaching styles and beliefs and values.…

Discusses the roots and wider educational consequences of an alleged technocratic narrowness in teacher thinking and behavior. Concludes that sociopolitical forces external to the school constrict the pedagogical conduct of teachers (e.g., the tendency to treat curriculum knowledge apart from teaching knowledge and the development of reductionist…

Describes a conversationally oriented, student-centered English class which recognizes the different learning styles among groups of students in the classroom. Notes that this teaching style opens a space for social engagement in intellectual work and conversation which enables reflective thought. (RS)

A longitudinal study investigated whether or not discussion in the mathematical classroom was an aid to understanding. This preliminary analysis showed that evidence to support the hypothesis has been limited. A method of classification of mathematical talk is described. (Author/YP)

Finds that, among five Zuni and Anglo primary teachers in Zuni Pueblo, ethnic group membership did not determine the extent of culturally congruent teaching behaviors. Suggests that ethnicity goes beyond mere ascription to encompass life experiences, language fluency, and cultural expertise. Contains 24 references. (SV)

Explores the problematic social constraints facing teachers who value diversity and who wish to develop their students' ability to think critically and to question dominant cultural values. Classifies these constraints into three areas: social pressures, social rules, and social values operating in the typical composition classroom. (KEH)

Investigates the manner and the degree to which science teachers consider the nature of the subject matter in their decision making when they plan and deliver instructional tasks. Considerations for student development, curriculum guide objectives, and pressures of accountability dominated decision making. (Author/YP)

Discusses ways to empower students through writing, using their own voices, plumbing their own lives for stories, poems, and essays; and engaging them in dialogue with their peers about writing and literature. (RAE)

Presents a small informal survey assessing the awareness of input styles of English-as-a-Foreign-Language teacher trainers. The survey proved to have a beneficial effect on both questioner and questioned, and enhanced trainers' self-awareness and trainer-to-trainer attitude changes. (Author/CB)

Investigates students' experiences and attitudes about experiences in biology and human biology courses. Finds that activities which require imaginative abilities are often lacking, and notetaking and simple recall are major features of the students' experiences. Discusses some suggestions regarding these courses. (Author/YP)

Based on interviews with 39 college teachers, a questionnaire was developed identifying 2 orientations to learning: knowledge transmission and learning facilitation. A survey of 170 faculty using the questionnaire found departments with high scores on knowledge transmission discouraged a deep approach to study; those in which learning facilitation…

This article profiles the teaching careers of history professor Giovanni Costigan of the University of Washington and English professor Tommy Howells of Whitman College in Walla Walla (Washington). It maintains that both men were accomplished lecturers who set the standard for their respective campuses and corners of Washington State. (MDM)

Methods that have been linked to improvements in student performance are used by a parent/teacher educator to analyze the poor teaching methods and questionable class activities of a semihypothetical ninth-grade English teacher. The article argues that if these methods can move students up two percentiles, the methods used by this teacher can move…