The literature review examines research and theory concerning the critical aspects of classroom culture for promoting literacy development, particularly for learners of English as a second language. It begins by establishing a conceptual framework for discussing classroom culture, then focuses on literature on six critical classroom attributes:…

This paper reports results of a research study linked to the effort of preparing teachers involved in literacy programs for a large adult population of non-native speakers of English in the state of Texas. Because of a state-initiated plan in Texas, the "Indicators of Program Quality for Adult Education and Literacy," extensive…

This study is part of a larger study on the problems that high school students' have in the interpretation and production of drawings and graphic representations in practical work in the biology laboratory, specifically with the use of the microscope. This part of the study focuses on classroom discourse among students and teacher as they use the…

The use of computers in the foreign language classroom in the Czech Republic is viewed with suspicion. Many teachers assert that computers prevent engagement in communication and teamwork, and that a computer could never replace a good teacher. This paper argues that from within a cognitive framework of language acquisition computers do indeed…

Adding a multiplicity of voices to the conversation about teaching and learning in schools, this paper presents the life histories of six culturally diverse teachers who have been meeting for over 2 years to discuss the connections to past life experiences and to other teachers. The paper suggests that these life histories (written by the…

This book is intended for graduate students and practitioners serving the needs of individuals with language-related learning disabilities in regular education, special education, and speech-language pathology. Some chapters are contributed by other authors. An introductory chapter chronicles historical trends in understanding and addressing…

A study examined when, how, and with whom literacy acquisition occurs in the school setting. The study developed an observation technique, focused on how it evolved, how it could be applied to the classroom setting, and how data from classroom observations over time can be interpreted. Subjects were 243 children deemed to be at risk of future…

A qualitative case study examined professor perceptions of the influence of race on the establishment of credibility in the classroom. Non-participant observation and semi-structured interviews elicited participant-generated conceptualizations of credibility of three Black and three White professors in the Northwest. Results indicated that…

This handbook provides direct, detailed instructions for involving a variety of adults (teachers, teacher aides, volunteers, and parents) in team teaching young children. The handbook describes specific ways to promote positive relationships among children and among the adult team members, and how to avoid common mistakes when giving feedback.…

A discussion of the use of Japanese in the English language classroom in Japan proposes that whatever justification is given for the English-only classroom is based on two flawed arguments: (1) outright rejection of the traditional grammar-translation method; and (2) the false assumption that an English-only requirement is an essential element of…

Internationally, educators are calling for teachers to help students learn to respect and value social and cultural difference. Literature teachers can also contribute to such a revolution in consciousness through literature study. It is crucial to education in a multicultural society that students are taught ways of reading and talking about…

An anthologized classroom is one in which students are writing toward an anthology of their own essays and drawing on the anthologies of previous classes. Students choose which of their own essays to include, and the works are then photocopied, bound, and sold to the students at cost before the end of the semester. The central challenge to the…

A parental involvement program was developed and implemented in a prekindergarten class setting. The program focused on using a "talking" computer to bring the adults into the classroom to work with the students. The program featured child-generated, parent-transcribed, computer-reproduced whole language stories for use at home and school. Parents…

The pedagogical triangle of teacher, learner, and subject matter has in its center a fourth element: the communication system. Each feature of the pedagogical triangle, and the communication system as well, relies on a very important cultural component. Problems occur when communication processes in a classroom are fragmented and related to…

This seminar proceedings document offers a summary of the views articulated in a paper by Robert E. Johnson and others titled "Unlocking the Curriculum: Principles for Achieving Access in Deaf Education." The paper's contention was that deaf students' low average academic achievement levels are not results of learning deficits inherently…