Findings of research at the University of East Anglia show that contemporary teachers will need to develop techniques for reflecting on their work and becoming involved with theory construction. Any resulting description should be non-judgmental in character. Examples of the kind of work that is done with groups of trainee teachers and future…

In a unique teacher-training program at Naropa Institute, future teachers learn to bring the fundamentals of Buddhist practice---observation, meditation, contemplation, and compassion--into the classroom. Contemplative teaching begins by rediscovering one's senses and by knowing and experiencing oneself directly. Spiritual education is not about…

Examines issues involved in collecting observational data and conducting a functional analysis of student problem behavior directly in the elementary classroom. Two cases of children with behavior disorders in special classes illustrate the active role that teachers can take in data collection and decision making prior to program changes.…

Explores the link among music content and teaching style and the changes in children's ratings of musical self-competence and their motivation to continue in music. Tested 100 Portuguese children over three years. Finds that declines in both motivation and evaluation of self-competence may be explained by excessive emphasis on aural skills and…

Describes three active learning strategies for use in a teaching assistant (TA) training program that can enhance graduate students' teaching skills: (1) in-class activities; (2) written assignments (journals, written exercises, and teaching portfolios); and (3) modeling and observation (watching versus performing teaching behaviors). (CMK)

Reports on five observations of children and adults involved in music activities and discusses three issues related to experimental research. Argues against the Mozart Effect, stating that the effects of music instruction seen within the classroom everyday are more significant. Discusses the results of Mozart Effect studies and educational…

Once the prevailing technology standards are established and understood, principals need to observe and evaluate how teachers translate standards into instructional practice. The Engaged Learning Profile Tool helps teachers assess their created learning environment and provides a starting point for technology discussions. Guidelines and indicators…

Presents a case study, through observation of a child named Hawk Weisman, that demonstrates a child's use of drawing to find meaning. Discusses Hawk's motivations for drawing, the recurring themes that encompass both humanistic and scientific concepts, and his homemade books. Addresses the educational implications. (CMK)

Investigates differences in literacy teaching and learning between classrooms following a literacy program and classrooms using standard practice. Reveals that in literacy program classrooms children devoted more time to reading, teachers used "direct teaching," and a greater amount of peer literacy learning occurred. Includes references and…

Discusses a self-study analysis of the use of video technology in an educational psychology course for preservice teacher education at Cleveland State University that has a required field component. Results of students' evaluations are presented that indicate positive feelings about the usefulness of video technology in preparing for observing in…

Discusses the need to develop the concept of user-based relevance for the benefit of users and for the meaningful development of future research in information retrieval. Characteristics of users' criteria of relevance are examined; and research methodology models are considered, including naturalistic inquiry versus scientific, or rationalistic,…

One way for physical educators to keep track of students' class behavior is to use Momentary Time Sampling (MTS), which enables teachers to assess their teaching effectiveness. The article explains how and why to use MTS, what to observe, appropriate student motor engagement, and on-task and off-task behavior. (SM)

Interviews, questionnaires, and observation of mathematics teachers in their implementation of computers in their classroom found that use of computers is unlikely to result in changes in learning or teaching unless the personal philosophy of classroom practice held by each teacher undergoes a major transformation. (Author/MKR)

Describes the development of the Classroom Systems Observation Scale (CSOS), which assesses preschool through sixth grade classroom functioning from a systems perspective using a theoretical framework based on the Circumplex Model of Marital and Family Systems. Discusses influences of home environment and parental support on learning; and…

Addresses a research project on the achievement of children of Caribbean heritage in Britain. Describes the research on homes and on elucidating the processes of support for schooling by parents in the project. Examines what the parents did to promote their children's achievement. (CMK)