A study examined 177 Kentucky secondary agriculture teachers' attitudes toward block scheduling based on teaching experience. Results indicate that less experienced teachers viewed block scheduling more favorably than experienced teachers, and all respondents agreed that block scheduling had a positive impact on teaching strategies and classroom…

A grade 7-8 generalist teacher attempting to implement new student-centered assessment practices was influenced by his beliefs about the nature of teaching and learning, his understandings of the new forms of assessment and their influence on other classroom practices, his involvement in the collaborative research program, and contextual…

Mentoring programs that pair experienced and first-time teachers are gaining prominence in supporting, developing, and retaining new teachers. The successful Beginning Teacher Assistance program at University of Wisconsin-River Falls was designed to give new K-12 teachers the opportunity for yearlong, structured support from mentor teachers. (MLH)

Interviews Robert Barrage, a corporate industrial designer turned painter, who discusses his art degree, career change, his daily schedule, where he gets ideas for his work, how he creates his paintings, his teaching experiences, and ideas about teaching art to children. (CMK)

Discusses how teachers can utilize the talents of teacher aides. Describes ways in which three first grade teachers in a Catholic school share their assistants/aides and maximize their presence in the classroom, such as including the teacher assistant in lesson planning and using them as co-teachers on a large project. (NB)

Investigated teaching experiences and methods in Nigerian primary schools, using classroom observations and interviews with 3 teachers for 10 consecutive days. Examined the teachers' perceptions of learning and the congruence between teachers' expressed perspectives and observed teaching. Found that the teachers varied widely in their views of…

Investigates how a sample of 27 student teachers in Hong Kong developed a personal sense of teaching efficacy by employing the repertory grid technique. Finds that third-year student perceptions were more homogenous and experiences of teaching practice, electives, pupils, and supervisors affected the development of efficacy. (CMK)

A veteran teacher discusses the seven qualities of successful teachers: (1) subject competence and creativity; (2) respect for the learner; (3) caring, warmth, love, and a sense of humor; (4) flexibility; (5) pride in the profession and a willingness to go the extra mile; (6) skill in the science and art of motivation through positive…

Notes that educators' expectations of parents originate from various sources, including their personal backgrounds and experiences, professional literature, other educators, the media, and children. Suggests teachers may examine assumptions and biases about parents and find ways to broaden the definition of parent involvement. Presents suggestions…

Research on the use of induction programs and mentors for new teachers found a decrease in length of the job learning curve and an increase in retention. Characteristics of a strong teacher-induction program are highlighted. (Contains six references and lists three Web sites) (PKP)

Examines the effects of music teacher delivery skills, lesson content, and student academic standing on 511 university music students' perceptions of lesson quality or teacher appeal. Indicates that student interest and preference varied by academic standing, teacher delivery, and lesson quality. Includes references. (CMK)

A third-grade teacher and an English-as-a-second-language (ESL) teacher collaborated to ensure the academic success of English language learners through "a priori" teaching. The ESL support teacher used verbal and interactive strategies to pre-teach key concepts, skills, and academic language relevant to the subject matter being covered…

It is generally accepted that to live and work in the remote regions of Australia requires specific skills and expertise to accommodate the shifting demands of outback life. For professionals assigned to such areas by employing bodies, this is particularly the case, and teachers are no exception. In addition to such personal attributes,…

This paper focuses on a model of delivery of professional experience courses for pre-service teachers that has been running in the author's institution for 9 years. The overall purpose of the model has been to assist the development of a reflective approach in pre-service teachers as they build their professional knowledge in schools and on…

This paper reports action research intended to advance intercultural learning and pedagogy within teacher preservice education. Northern Ireland (NI) student teachers returning from teaching abroad and students from abroad training in NI shared views upon pedagogical practices, identified features supportive of inclusive teaching and assessed the…