A physics and chemistry teacher from rural Elmira High School (Oregon) describes his own and his students' experiences with the LabNet teacher telecommunications network and related project-based science instruction; the reactions of teacher colleagues and administrators to LabNet; and technological, psychological, and resource-related barriers to…

Reports on a study of inexperienced and experienced music teachers to determine the dominant perceptual dimensions used to classify classical musical excerpts. Finds that listeners generate an internal hierarchy that reflects their individual background and knowledge. Concludes that instructional methods are as important as the music selected for…

Describes the creation of a high school general music class by a university methods professor, a graduate assistant, and a high school choral director. Explains that the class used university methods class students to serve as guest lecturers and performers in the high school course. Discusses evaluation, benefits, and suggestions for creative…

Interviews with 12 experienced suburban expert teachers investigated their adaptive strategies which resulted in sustained exemplary performance in a working environment often characterized as professionally inadequate. Eight factors functioned as adaptive and supportive strategies, including a strong sense of mission and professional autonomy and…

Presents information on beginning teaching experiences from the journals and taped conversations of six novice teachers. The article discusses the influence of teacher background and examines teachers' opinions that they learn more through teaching and daily encounters with students than through inservice workshops and university courses. (SM)

Examines issues related to the ethics of disclosure in naturalistic inquiry, discussing subtle and less subtle shifts in ethical concerns that underlie positivistic and naturalistic methodologies. The process and products of personal disclosure may be understood with increased efficacy through the application of guidelines customarily applied to…

Two teachers discuss their experiences implementing Foxfire practices in an alternative high school. One teacher was apprehensive about changing from the "traditional" approach to "student-initiated learning." The other teacher also experienced moments of doubt, but both teachers realized the benefits of the Foxfire approach…

Most secondary schools are organized around subject area departments. The article presents a rationale for comparing teachers and departments of different subject matters, identifying features that should affect teachers' work and exploring possible differences among teachers associated with teaching different subjects. (SM)

Mr. Leidig discusses his English teaching career at Emory and Henry College (Virginia), where for many years he offered courses in poetry and folk literature. He believes these courses were influential with Appalachian students because they encouraged the connection between the study of literary works and student experience. (LP)

Surveys of preK-12 cooperating teachers examined demographics, perceptions of field experiences, and perceptions of cooperating teachers' contributions, frustrations, and satisfaction with the job. Results indicated that participants believed they contributed to the development of prospective teachers and derived satisfaction from the task,…

Investigates changing pattern of teacher-student relationships in 20th century England through the lens of the professional lives and pedagogical practices of teachers using oral history methods. Relates the findings of oral history interviews to those from documentary and secondary sources. Assesses the strengths of the oral history method. (DSK)

Describes a university instructor's "exhilarating and exhausting" experiences teaching English in China. Notes that the instructor felt simultaneously like a precious resource and an abused one; and that the opinions he espoused in China were taken to be not only his opinions but also those of most Americans. (RS)

Examined broad schooling goals established for Israeli students by novice and veteran humanities and science teachers. Semistructured interviews assessed frequency and intensity of goal preferences. Novices and veterans expressed different goal preferences, as did humanities versus science teachers. Experienced humanities teachers preferred…

A former elementary principal (and teacher) describes challenging, insightful experiences gained while substituting for teachers for a half-day. This practice, combined with scheduling "sacred" classroom visiting times while advancing toward the superintendency, kept him in touch with teacher concerns and classroom realities. (MLH)

Asserts that to achieve successful mathematics education reform, teacher educators must facilitate the process by recognizing certain familiar learning dilemmas. Details study of a veteran middle school teacher using a new textbook, who attempted to challenge students to empower them as learners and still provide sufficient support to meet the…