Questionnaires examined differences between public and private schools regarding teachers' pupil control ideology and behavior. Teachers and students completed three survey instruments. Only pupil control ideology differed significantly between public and private schools. Pupil control behavior was the best predictor of environmental robustness.…

Generates questions which invite the reader to consider the people, places, and activities in their own classrooms that turn kids on or off to books. Provides some ideas and impressions from observations and conversations with children. Offers a nine-item annotated bibliography for teachers interested in reading further about this topic. (MG)

Describes how the teaching of language and the teaching of subject matter knowledge can be brought together to empower students and to foster a positive attitude toward their own abilities. Illustrates a framework for integrating language development and the development of subject matter knowledge with a case study of one classroom in Vancouver,…

Reports the perceptions of 543 Scottish pupils about teacher strategies for motivating the class to work well. Reveals that students perceived a wide range of effective strategies. Finds that pupils in each school surveyed identified over 75 percent of the staff as being effective at getting the class to work well. (DB)

Contends that the best way to learn about citizenship is by discussing real societal issues that are connected to student interests. Maintains that a democratic classroom environment also provides an opportunity for practicing civic values. Provides four guidelines for establishing community service projects in the schools. (CFR)

Argues that the contexts of teaching are more diverse, embedded, and interactive in their effects on teaching practice than is assumed by prior school effects research. The paper discusses teaching for understanding, student differentiation and tracking, school social organization, bureaucratization of schooling, and implications for policy…

Analyzes and critiques the sociocultural and educational features that comprise the macrocontext for teaching environmental education in Queensland, Australia. Concepts outlined in the analysis include the global context of teaching environmental education; the political, economic, and social context of Queensland; the national party; the…

Describes a mathematics course for prospective elementary teachers that has teaching and learning mathematics via problem solving at its core. Presents a problem-solving activity involving number theory and reactions by the students and teacher to the activity. (MDH)

Reports on a review of research into the effects of organizational structure on the acquisition of knowledge. Asserts that the opportunity to learn has two dimensions: (1) the amount of exposure; and (2) the quality of exposure. Concludes that teachers and students make decisions about these dimensions, which are affected by inducements and…

Explores the impact on children's activities and staff behavior of removing clocks and watches from an early childhood classroom. Describes how removing old patterns of time organization required teacher reflection about taken-for-granted scripts for time and permitted them to invent new scripts that were more supportive of developmentally…

Outlines issues that socially and economically disadvantaged urban students may face (student jobs, family problems, home factors, feelings of inadequacy, and financial factors) that may contribute to their lack of preparation and interest in school. Offers some humanistic strategies for effectively managing urban secondary classrooms, and notes…

College faculty and students play important roles in maintaining a tension-free, democratic, and effective learning environment for a diverse student body. Although many instructors feel unprepared to manage disruptive or harmful behaviors, they must receive training to learn to negotiate difficult dialogs, especially as the student population…

Reports an experiment in collaborative essay testing in a college course, finding some improvement in achievement, significant reduction in test anxiety, and student engagement in reflective thinking similar to metacognition. In addition, partners generally participated equally in test preparation and content. Suggestions are made for implementing…

Describes an online college course and student perceptions of the virtual-classroom experience. Students appreciated course flexibility and convenience and found it conducive to thoughtful analysis of class questions and commentary. However, they felt isolated from peers and instructor, and lack of face-to-face interaction hindered communication.…

Describes attempts to devise effective strategies to develop students' communication and information technology (CIT) skills. Compares the outcomes of three modules that used learning materials mounted on the Internet. Finds that the provision of minimal instruction, low assessment weighting, and an experiential learning atmosphere encouraged…