This paper reviews significant research findings from the past 10 years which demonstrate that teachers' attitudes, expectations, and behavior have significant practical effects on student achievement. Although causes of differential interaction are not definitely established, it is clear that many teachers vary sharply in their interaction…

Examples are given of classroom situations which pose challenges or problems for teachers. The reasons the problems arose are discussed, and alternative suggestions are made for handling them. Discussions include classroom interactions among teachers and students in these areas: (1) using students' time efficiently; (2) classroom arrangement and…

A response to a piece of student writing will be most effective if it helps students consciously identify and solve their composing problems, stimulates them to use the response, and helps them to transfer these practiced skills. Furthermore, the response should (1) take place during the process of writing rather than after a piece is completed,…

Pertinent to potential recommendations for communication training in teacher preparation, a study investigated prospective teachers' intended use of communication control strategies in managing student misbehaviors. As an extension of previous instructional research, a typology of common student misbehavior types (active/passive) and intensity…

The first of two questions investigated in this paper concerns the relationships among three measures of teachers' expectations: that their students can succeed, that they can be successful as teachers, and that they can influence what happens in their classrooms and schools. The second question involves relationships between these three types of…

This module (part of a series of 24 modules) is on how stereotyped conceptions of minority children and their families may influence teachers' expectations and affect student achievement. The genesis of these materials is in the 10 "clusters of capabilities," outlined in the paper, "A Common Body of Practice for Teachers: The…

In an inquiry-oriented teacher education program, prospective teachers are encouraged to examine the origins and consequences of their actions and settings in which they work. Many of the characteristics of the elementary student teaching program at the University of Wisconsin at Madison are similar to this approach. During the students' 15-week…

Composition teachers can learn from nonteachers who evaluate writing. A comparison of nonteacher and teacher responses to the same student writing revealed that the teachers were much more negative in their evaluations. Studies have also indicated that teachers did not grade according to their own declared criteria. These inconsistencies and…

The Education for All Handicapped Children Act requires an individualized education plan for all students identified as handicapped. While computer technology has application for greater individualization, no single method makes a perfect "fit" for all students. Social survival skills are vital elements of mainstreaming as well as academics.…

This study sought to describe how first-year teachers perceived ways in which they had changed during the school year. Subjects of the research were 13 first-year teachers at the elementary, junior and senior high school levels. Data were gathered during two structured, tape-recorded interviews: one between mid-March and mid-April, and the second…

The purpose of this study was to determine and illuminate the relationship between setting and use at the Workshop Center for Open Education (City College of New York) as observed by participants, staff, and investigators. Data were collected during the academic year 1979-1980 by questionnaire, interview, and observation. The use of the Center…

This report explores the question of what constitutes success in teaching from the perspective of the teacher. A survey of elementary and secondary teachers was conducted using both questionnaires and interviews. Responses were classified as cognitive, affective, or other. Responses were judged cognitive when pupil learning was indicated as a sign…

To create the conditions necessary for students to learn basic skills, teachers should facilitate interpersonal situations that will encourage learning. Teachers should operate less on a defensive basis and allow more student-teacher involvement, careful thinking, and demonstrated relevance of knowledge to create a dynamic learning environment.…

Literature pertinent to the evaluation of faculty development programs is reviewed and data are presented from several studies conducted at Kansas State University and Wichita State University. These data were consistent with those previously reported in that faculty participants consistently expressed satisfaction with development services. In…

Elementary teachers read vignettes depicting incidents involving (fictional) students who presented chronic behavior problems, and then told how they would respond if the incidents occurred in their classrooms. Responses were coded for attributions about the students and about the teacher's roles in causing and remediating the problem. Teachers…