This action research project evaluated a program for improving student discipline and developing a positive classroom environment. The targeted populations consisted of prekindergarten, first-, and fifth-grade students in two middle class suburbs of Chicago (Illinois). Changes in behavior were documented through behavior checklists, parental…

In exploring the need for and the obstacles to creating more democratic classrooms this paper maintains that the goal of national and state accrediting agencies and schools of education is to produce good teachers who would perpetuate the current teacher-dominated system. The heavy emphasis on developing competencies and methodologies ignores the…

This report highlights key studies, salient findings, and the significance of research supported by the National Reading Research Center (NRRC), which was charged to conduct research on reading instruction appropriate for prekindergarten through 12th-grade learning environments. The first chapter of the report elaborates on a foundation principle…

A practicum project was developed and implemented to reduce the incidents of aggressive behavior and impulsive actions among kindergarten students by means of win-win situations for conflict resolution. The objectives for the program were to achieve: (1) a 25 percent decrease of impulsive and aggressive behavior; (2) 50 percent of the target group…

A study examined the relationship among instructor socio-communicative style, argumentativeness, and verbal aggressiveness in the college classroom. Participants were 139 undergraduate students enrolled at a small southern university who completed the Assertiveness-Responsiveness Measure (Richmond and McCroskey, 1995), as well as modified versions…

This booklet discusses and provides suggestions for meeting the educational needs of gifted girls. The first chapter, "The Needs of Gifted Girls," describes the problem of underachievement among gifted girls and strategies that educators can use to support individuality, reduce perfectionism, encourage freedom, recognize socioeconomic and ethnic…

This paper illustrates the rivalry and dichotomy between science and teacher education programs by describing and contrasting the nature of the two cultures. The two cultures are portrayed through a series of three contrasts: (1) "Weeding Out" vs. nurturing; (2) meritocratic vs. democratic; and (3) masculine vs. feminine. Two studies…

A study examined the experiences of students, teachers, and principals involved in the day-to-day teaching of early elementary reading in four of the 12 Texas "Spotlight Schools" (schools that emphasize early elementary reading and are useful in helping all children to read). Data were collected during four-day site visits to each…

A study of a primarily classroom-based language remediation program for three boys (in grades 1, 2, and 4) is reported in terms of the member roles and linguistic routines that were modified as the school year progressed. The student selection was based on the noticeable language difficulties they exhibited in classroom discourse and the effect…

This guide discusses an approach to discipline which focuses on student self-control as opposed to external control imposed by the teacher. After "Introduction: Caring Teachers Can Make a Difference," the ten chapters are: (1) "Setting the Stage for Appropriate Behavior"; (2) "Expectations, Limits and Rules"; (3) "Encouragement, Praise, and…

This final report describes accomplishments of Project Discovery, a 3-year project in Kentucky to assist teachers in creating an innovative learning environment for gifted and talented primary-aged children. Major goals focused on and achieved by the project included: (1) increasing the percentage of disadvantaged students identified as gifted in…

This paper discusses cognitive communicative training in preschool and reports on a study of 11 Hawaiian preschoolers that examined how these children interacted with others, used language, manipulated objects, and solved problems at home and at school. The study observed the children at school and at home over a 5-month period, collecting…

In order to foster the kind of learning environment that promotes decision-making and thinking skills, educators need to take a values approach to teaching. There are three main approaches to values teaching: (1) the product approach, which concentrates on outcomes as "fixed" values, "core" values, or "moral basics";…

This tipsheet provides suggestions to help teachers work more effectively with students who are late-deafened. Suggestions include: (1) allow time for the student to introduce himself and discuss possible needs; (2) learn the basics of CART (Computer-Aided Realtime Translation) and other communication options; (3) learn the basics of using…

This research project explored the perceptions of school teachers, principals, and college lecturers regarding the challenges, obstacles, and needs faced by beginning teachers in Jamaica, West Indies, and the sources of assistance and support available to them. Interviews with participants indicated that teachers and principals were most…