Investigates the relationship between school environment and science classroom environment in secondary schools. Reports that the characteristics of the school environment are not transmitted automatically into the science classroom. Concludes that the effect the school-level environment has on student learning is mediated by classroom process…

Three preschool boys with autism received social skills training and an intervention that encompassed adult prompting, edible reinforcement contingent on positive exchanges, and self-monitoring of social behaviors. The self-monitoring package increased target children's interactions with peers and/or siblings. School and home procedures produced…

Draws a distinction between language in the classroom and language of the classroom to illustrate the ways in which situated definitions of language, text, and academic practices were established by a seventh-grade English teacher and her students through their oral and written discourse practices. (MDM)

In Israeli school culture, the school class is a social group in which "gibush" or cohesion is cultivated. A highly cohesive class has clearly demarcated boundaries, has high integration, is internally undifferentiated, and presupposes particular conditions for formation. The gibush model reflects an ideal of communal participation and…

Investigates the administration and interpretation of deaf educational policy at a regular education campus. There was a breakdown in translation of policy and a lack of articulation between the County and the District, as well as confusion regarding language use in the classroom and a lack of knowledge concerning the bilingual education of the…

Contends that contemporary trends in music education increase the emphasis on composition. Discusses the process of composition and asserts that students demonstrate their understanding of how music works through composition. Presents teaching suggestions for incorporating composition into the elementary and secondary curriculum. (CFR)

Describes an elementary school teacher's experiences in instructing the same group of pupils for both first and second grade. Notes that the two-year relationship helped the teacher and students develop a strong sense of community and was especially beneficial to the shy, quiet students, who became more open and comfortable in school. (MDM)

Reports a study comparing instructional behaviors of physical education teacher education majors across planned and unplanned teaching conditions. Researchers observed teaching behaviors, teaching environments, and learner involvements. Planning positively affected some teachers' instructional behaviors. Planning was important to the employment of…

Describes two child care administrators' visit to the model preschools in Reggio Emilia, Italy. Discusses the Reggio view of childhood and the structure and environment in a typical Reggio classroom. Notes how the larger cultural elements of Italy--community, history, and pride--are deeply rooted in the Reggio concept. (HTH)

Describes ways in which teachers in a preschool center structure the environment and provide supportive interactions that give children in their care, the same advantages found in homes of early readers. Summarizes how the center replicates characteristics of such homes. Suggests involvement with books and other print-related materials. (BAC)

Field tests of the Science Laboratory Environment Inventory (SLEI) with (n=5,447) high school and college students in six countries furnished evidence that science laboratory classes are dominated by closed-ended activities and that females held generally more favorable perceptions than males. Describes the development and validation of SLEI.…

This paper describes in practical detail how a kindergarten teacher applied total quality management ideas, adapted for education, to her classroom. She helped children take responsibility for their own actions, got them involved in their learning, taught them to be proud of their work, established a fear-free environment, and actively involved…

This paper uses a qualitative study of children's symbolic and social use of superhero stories to examine the children's images of power and gender within an urban elementary classroom. The article discusses ways to help children deal with contradictory pressures of growing up in a multicultural society with inequitable power distribution. (SM)

Notes that the differences between infant/toddler care and preschool care have been ignored in all but the best programs and day care homes. Examines child care policies and practices from the perspective of their influence on infant/toddler identity formation, including continuity of care and curricula that are responsive rather than…

Maintains that a survey of beginning social studies teachers would probably show that their major concern is classroom discipline. Discusses discipline-related issues such as why do students obey rules, what actions should be taken, and discipline strategies. (CFR)