The views of teachers and directors in four Christian preschools and four Buddhist preschools are examined in this qualitative study of early childhood education in Japan. In Christian preschools, the guiding principle was that each child was a precious gift of God. This belief resulted in a play-oriented curriculum that maximized the choices…

Seventh grade students in three schools in different communities in the Midwest were described by parents and teachers as not exhibiting acceptable responsibility for their own learning and not showing respect or ownership for their learning environments. This paper describes a program designed for improving these students' responsibility for…

Designed for teachers, this resource guide on gifted education discusses the identification of gifted students and different types of educational strategies that teachers can use with gifted students. Topics include: (1) providing gifted students with the most enabling learning environment possible; (2) identifying and defining characteristics of…

Race, sex, IQ, self-perception, and student's perceptions of their teacher's perceptions were examined as sources of variance in academic achievement. Self-perceptions account for more variance in academic achievement for students who are of the same sex and race as the teacher than for those who are not. (Author/RD)

Two studies contrasted formal and informal teaching practices in open-plan and conventional classrooms, focusing on grouping patterns and pupil choice as discriminative components of teaching style. (BW)

Fourth- through sixth-grade classrooms were observed, and a social climate questionnaire and the Test Anxiety Scale for Children were administered. Analysis of variance showed that high-structured classrooms had the most work involvement. Both high child activity and low control by teachers were related to more active deviancy. (Author/RD)

Some methods for getting adult learners to participate in classroom discussions are offered by a training manager. The trainer's attitude and the classroom environment contribute to motivating all trainees to participate, stimulate the nonparticipant to join in, and control the aggressiveness of the overparticipant. (MF)

Discusses two surveys conducted at the University of Hong Kong that measured students' willingness to adopt active speech roles in second-language classrooms. Findings reveal that students expressed a liking for communicative work at school and a preference for classes permitting students to do most of the talking, but that they had a low…

Discussion of the culturally diverse college student population focuses on how teacher understanding of that diversity (in which the students are experts), and on how it can inform the classroom culture can help defuse tensions and become a source for teaching. Dynamics of the culturally and linguistically diverse classroom are outlined and…

Discusses the inherent conflict that exists between the tendency of Israeli schools to promote uniformity and their current mission to socially integrate immigrant children. A multicultural class production of "The Ugly Duckling" exemplifies how performing and visual arts can facilitate integration and acceptance. (MJP)

Describes strategies and learning activities designed to create connections between students' feelings and historical incidents. The interdisciplinary activities often combine novels, writing assignments, and guest speakers. The students also conduct mock trials concerning historical issues and conduct their own research. (MJP)

Argues that the use of prepackaged, worksheet-based curricula in preschools decreases teacher and student interest by creating a stagnant classroom environment. Provides guidelines for choosing prepackaged curricula when necessary. Suggests that a constructivist classroom promotes student interest, motivation, interaction, and discussion, and that…

Discusses the advantages and problems of multi-year instruction or "looping." Looping improves relationships, increases student achievement, strengthens school-home partnerships, increases parental support, promotes discipline, and increases academic time. Briefly describes Tolland Middle School's implementation of multi-year…

Questions the use and adaptation of computers in the classroom as a panacea for all educational ills. Specifically notes that much of the nature and content of social studies instruction requires class interaction rather than computer instruction. Praises computers as instructional supplements rather than substitutes. (MJP)

Briefly expounds on tips for classroom management. These include stay calm and in control, ignore the behavior of disruptive students, meditate, maintain a positive atmosphere, enforce the rules, take necessary disciplinary action, be prepared, change when necessary, conduct an orientation period, and stress the importance of music. (MJP)