Presents an annotated dialogue between two teachers concerning a teacher's observations of children's play. Discusses teachers' practice of representing children's play for the children and the results of this practice. (BB)

Describes inappropriate approaches to diversity in early childhood programs, such as teachers being proud of being "colorblind." Suggestions for making changes and for finding support for those changes are given. (LB)

Describes the facilities, educational practices, curriculum, and classroom milieu of a Chinese kindergarten in Beijing. (BB)

Discussed is the research project that used small-group problem solving as a primary instructional strategy of second grade mathematics for an entire year. The mutual construction of classroom norms for cooperative learning style is illustrated and examples of resulting learning opportunities are given. (MDH)

A study of student/teacher interaction patterns in 11 Austrian grammar school mathematics classes was conducted to examine gender-specific classroom management methods. Results indicated no gender differences, but five types of gender-related modifications of the ordinary interaction patterns are identified that produce greater success for boys.…

Presents an account of how mathematics and science educators at a Australian university combined to produce a Mathematics/Science Learning Cycle (MS Learning Cycle) to provide a consistent approach to teaching in these two subject areas. Discusses background information, outcomes of using the MS Learning Cycle in teacher preparation and in the…

An Australian study investigated differences in writing context, process, and product with 51 eighth-grade girls using word processing and pens. Findings indicated the computer classroom was more student centered, less teacher dominated, and more work focused; and quality of writing was rated significantly higher. The importance of genre in…

Provides suggestions for preschool, elementary, and middle grade teachers on mainstreaming students with physical and medical difficulties. Suggestions focus on parent involvement, peer interaction, environment and training considerations, and instructional adaptations. Discusses topics, such as emergency care plans, that relate to making the…

Discusses the benefits of mixed-age grouping for children's social and cognitive development and reservations parents sometimes have about mixed-age groupings. Also discusses issues that teachers need to consider when implementing mixed-age groups: children's personal care routines; furnishings; children's language, motor, creative, and social…

Classroom interaction data from traditional and activity-based English classes of different sizes are compared in terms of opportunities for learners to interact meaningfully. Findings suggest that the nature of the teaching-learning activities and the teacher's role and attitude influence learner participation more than class size. (24…

Examined the influence of school and classroom environmental factors, such as teacher discipline practices and teacher-student relations, on middle school students' motivation. Found that, compared to sixth-grade math teachers, middle school math teachers controlled students more, provided students with fewer decision-making opportunities, and…

Suggests methods of effective teaching that help the beginning teacher organize the classroom and develop relationships with other teachers and students. Suggestions include communicating with teachers, long-range lesson planning, information cards for students, and alphabetical seating charts. (MDH)

Examines the descriptive and analytical work of students and teachers through classroom talk and interaction, using information from audiotaped classroom activities to identify classroom members' work. The article discusses the organization of classroom knowledge, relationships, and order, noting relationships between descriptive and analytic work…

Changes that have occurred in education since the publication "Education through Science" was produced and issues that would be included in a present-day issue of the publication are discussed. The topics of classroom organization, assessment, management, subject knowledge, technology, multicultural issues, special educational needs, and…

Two recent reports show girls' performance in math and verbal skills is lower than boys' and that the gap steadily increases during the high school years. Girls' self-esteem also erodes during late adolescence. An extensive study of small-town high schools disclosed glaring gender inequities and lack of principal awareness. Principals must…