An account of one first grader's growth in writing and how his steady progress toward competence changed the way his teacher evaluated all children's writing growth. Chronicles the teacher's developing professional growth as she learned to look for the things mastered instead of the things still not understood. (ET)

Describes the use of electronic portfolios in one Hawaiian secondary literature class. Students went through their journals, picked two entries that best represented their growth in reading during the course, and explained why. Next they created a presentation about their growth and enjoyment of literature using multimedia technology. (SM)

Describes a teacher development model that enables teachers to learn, internalize, test, and practice experiential teaching methods, and to create support systems that can sustain educational innovation in schools. Phases of a teacher training workshop include immersion, skill building, skill demonstration, and skill application. Includes 10…

Reviews the literature on educational innovation to inform those interested in undertaking a teacher-initiated innovation in English-as-a-Second-Language programs. Innovation involves a change that can occur at various levels; it is an ongoing process of revision and should constitute improvement. (31 references) (Author/CK)

Assesses the concept of "backwash" in language teaching. The two processes of testing and teaching are considered to be necessary but distinct. A system is described for distinguishing between them which is applied to developing classroom activities for examination preparation classes to help teachers move from testing to teaching…

Studies adjustments facing international college students who use dialog journals to counteract their feelings of isolation. Using the informal writing assignments connected with the journals, the students and teacher wrote back and forth weekly about ideas usually initiated by the students. (25 references) (CK)

Contends that it is important for students to be motivated and well prepared for class units and activities. Describes a "previews of coming attractions" instructional strategy that uses advance organizers to increase information processing efficiency. Includes a sample unit outline illustrating this approach. (CFR)

Contends that young children are fascinated by big books and teachers find them enjoyable and effective. Discusses appropriate multicultural content for big books and presents suggestions for effective classroom use. Includes a bibliography of big books categorized into six multicultural groupings. (CFR)

Discusses the use of analogies and other instructional strategies (problem solving, demonstration, group labs, and large group discussion) in dealing with students' preconceptions in physics. (PR)

Presents a classroom activity that features a mock hearing on environmental issues before an international court. Asserts that international cooperation is necessary if the world is to avert environmental disaster. Provides role descriptions for the witnesses and step-by-step instructional procedures. (CFR)

This article examines, in particular, how South African teachers, working in situations where English is a second language, approach the teaching of a content lesson in geography. (23 references) (Author/CK)

Discusses the 13 papers in this special issue on American Indian and Alaska Native language education and literacy, the object of which is to critically examine the relationship of pedagogical change to larger sociopolitical and cultural processes affecting native language, bilingual, and bicultural programs. (three references) (MDM)

Discusses specific teaching strategies to nurture creativity in young children that guide choice, highlight human potential, and distinguish those activities that help children from those that are more impulsive and less developmental. Suggests that teachers need to encourage a love of work, concentration, self-discipline, and sociability. (MDM)

Asserts that tolerance is a fundamental part of democracy. Presents a lesson plan to help students understand tolerance as it applies to homosexuality. Includes student objectives, step-by-step instructional procedures, and a student handout featuring Oregon's proposed minority status and Child Protection Act. (CFR)

Contends that student motivation is a major issue for all teachers but is of particular concern for middle school social studies teachers. Reports on an interview with 18 middle school teachers and 60 middle school students on the effectiveness of strategies designed to increase motivation. (CFR)