Examined relationship between the cognitive demands of instruction and student motivation in fifth-, sixth-, and seventh-grade mathematics classrooms. Found through observation and survey data that sixth- and seventh-grade math lessons were characterized by significantly fewer elements of higher-order thinking than fifth-grade math lessons, and…

Contends that teacher's decisions regarding textbook use can be understood through public choice theory. This theory claims decisions are made balancing competing interests of scarcity, time, costs, benefits, and incentives. Teachers use textbooks because of their efficacy in organizing and providing instructional material. (MJP)

Reveals a need for concern on the part of social studies educators about the attitudes of preservice elementary teachers towards social studies. Many preservice elementary teachers evince little interest, and even some hostility, toward the subject. Recommends various strategies for correcting this. (MJP)

Ethnographic methods were used to assess three learning-disabled and three normal tenth and eleventh grade boys at a school with an unusually low dropout rate. Institutional, classroom, and interpersonal factors behind the schools' student retention ability are described. (TJH)

Asserts that the ethical dimensions of teaching involve complex decisions found in the sense-making process and deeply embedded in teachers' professional lives. Reports on a study of a middle school science teacher and how emancipatory learning, control, and social expectations influence teaching behaviors. (CFR)

Asserts that professional morality deals with decisions, strategies, products, and by-products in teaching. Reports on interviews with 60 teachers and discusses 5 types of decision making. Concludes that appropriate teacher training programs can help develop conceptual frames of professional responsibility. (CFR)

Asserts that visual arts education contributes to a more profound understanding and appreciation of civilization. Maintains that art criticism offers teachers an opportunity to interact with students about their personal reactions to art and to involve them in critical thinking. (CFR)

Equity pedagogy involves teaching strategies and environments that help diverse students attain necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes for functioning effectively within a just, democratic society. The article examines how equity pedagogy interacts with other dimensions of multicultural education (content integration, knowledge construction…

Discusses ethical dilemmas that professors face in the classroom, drawing on three examples involving students: (1) discussing the illegal activities of an employer; (2) participating in politically controversial military activities; and (3) making racist comments. Argues that academic and professional organizations should issue codes of ethics…

Summarizes certain gender expectations that exclude girls from science participation and lower female achievement, noting ways that schools can counter such barriers. The article discusses traditional forms of science, stereotypes of scientists and girls, male dominance in the classroom, teacher-student interaction, teacher attitudes toward…

Presents a fictitious dialogue among four high-school students involved in a cooperative learning group. Analyzes student interaction, the role of content, and academically gifted students in relation to cooperative learning techniques. Concludes that the use of cooperative learning techniques will increase. (CFR)

Maintains that every public school student deserves an opportunity to study a musical instrument. Asserts that a limited command of English should not prevent a student from being accepted into instrumental music class or hinder that student's progress. Describes a music education program for students speaking limited English. (CFR)

Teachers must acknowledge and validate minority students' home language without using it to limit their potential. Educators who are committed to teaching all students can help such students transcend their home language, acquire a secondary discourse, and succeed in mainstream schools without losing respect for their home culture. (SM)

Investigates how master music teachers maintain discipline in their classrooms. Suggests the discipline of music and the need to use time effectively encourage disciplined classroom environments. Stresses teachers' ability to balance musical goals with student needs and interests. Notes that students respect these teachers' musicianship and…

Presents an activity developed for back-to-back general science and mathematics classes involving measurement, data analysis, and consumer mathematics. Students compare brands of popcorn for number of popped and unpopped kernels, volume, size, color, texture, and flavor, and develop advertisements for the best brands. Suggests possible extension…