Research study found that mechanical drawing students in a learner-centered class achieved significantly better than those in a teacher-centered class, but there was no difference in student attitudes in the two classes. (RT)

From a special feature on "Violence & Agression. Other articles in the feature include "Agression in the Classroom by Fritz Redl, "Anger in Children by George V. Sheviakov, and "Scapegoating by Beryce W. MacLennan.

Six biology teachers and 90 students participated in this study. Results indicate that teachers can be trained to use a systematic questioning technique, trained teachers can employ the technique in classroom settings, and students taught by the technique achieve higher and retain knowledge longer than those in control groups. (JN)

Discussed is literature which deals with sexism, sex bias, or sex-role stereotypes in the following areas: (1) educational material; (2) curriculum, e.g., music course offerings, enrollment patterns; (3) guidance counseling; and (4) teacher behavior and teacher training. (RM)

Teacher-made tests are a major but little researched part of the drama of testing in schools and classrooms. This report gives a view into the inner workings of this aspect of testing, which occupies more teacher and student time and effort than any other. (Author)

Support for preservice teacher education programs cannot be unqualified, just as calls to abandon it cannot be embraced uncritically. Many factors affect how well teachers perform and how children are educated. A selected bibliography of pertinent documents in the ERIC databases is given. (PP)

This article explains how teachers can use tact and diplomacy to minimize potential problems with parent-teacher conferences. A checklist of tips to help teachers prepare for conferences and conduct them positively is given, along with ideas for keeping in touch with parents the rest of the year. (PP)

The Consumer-Validation approach to applying educational research in classroom settings is described. The model, developed in Murfreesboro (Tennessee), provides a way to disseminate research findings as well as to allow teachers to test the validity of findings drawn from classroom research. (CJ)

The conditions that lead teachers to be more controlling versus more autonomy-oriented with students were examined. When responsibility for their students' performance was impressed upon teachers, they became more controlling. They talked more, were more critical, gave more commands and allowed less choice and autonomy. (Author/CM)

The extent to which inexperienced teachers--probationers and student teachers--report awareness of nonverbal communication and whether this awareness increases their effectiveness in the classroom were examined. Effective probationer teachers mentioned nonverbal communication more often than less-effective colleagues, and made more use of subtle…

Reviews a variety of topics germane to the causes of stress encountered by teachers every day. Discusses the manifestations of stress, the states of stress, and possible stress reduction techniques. (FL)