Long-term research in three countries suggests that a teacher's interpersonal skills are crucial to creating and maintaining a positive working environment. Describes the Questionnaire for Teacher Interaction, a measurement to determine how well teachers communicate with their students. Describes how effective teachers solidify relations with…

Examines the concept of professional development for librarians. Topics include lifelong learning; continuing education to learn new techniques and to develop special skills; conferences, workshops, institutes, and seminars; transfer of training; adult learning; and an example of an institute for professional development. (LRW)

Describes a study that examined the professional information needs of rural secondary school teachers in New South Wales (Australia). Concludes that teacher librarians have a pivotal role in meeting information needs, and that computer networks provide a means of overcoming the teachers' professional and geographical isolation. (LRW)

Addresses how to design teacher education and professional development in schools in ways that support urban school reform efforts. Analyzes factors that hinder the full incorporation of research findings in preservice teacher preparation programs, and explores strategies that strengthen the relationship between research and practice. (GR)

Presents a study that examines the beliefs of teachers (N=24) and their interpretations of a two-week summer institute intended to change their treatment of scientific knowledge and assessment strategies at the classroom level. Contains 31 references. (DDR)

Describes a Total Quality Management-based system of instruction that is used in a variety of undergraduate mathematics courses. The courses that incorporate this approach include mathematics appreciation, introductory calculus, and advanced applied linear algebra. (DDR)

Explores the frequency and quality of faculty-faculty mentoring experiences. Mentoring contributed to the professional development of proteges and was both gender- and rank-specific, with mentoring opportunities more limited for junior female faculty. Found differences between the American and Australian samples; mentoring received less attention…

Explores the problems that a national strategy for the professional development of science teachers attempted to address, and reports on the theme of "loose connections" that emerged. Highlights the weak sense of professional community found among science teachers and their isolation from potentially beneficial influences on their work.…

Outlines the characteristics of standards-based, worthy uses of new technologies in education and describes characteristics of an effective school district change process that engages teachers in adult learning that is curriculum-rich and focuses on enhancing student performance. Topics include engaged learning; professional development; and…

Argues for the need to adopt a more participatory and research-based approach to teacher development in India. Describes the democratizing opportunities offered by a research-based collaborative approach to teacher educator development in a 2-year project in three states. Concludes that this approach requires individual development of autonomy and…

Describes the transformation of women from babysitters to child care professionals as a result of becoming a family child care provider in the U.S. military Family Child Care (FCC) program. Discusses application process, orientation training, the use of peer mentors, initial setup, inspections, enrollment, caregiver training, and accreditation.…

Focuses on the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) (California) experiences for understanding how the arts must compete for resources. Explores how a cluster of schools in Los Angeles tried to implement visual arts programs addressing the Getty-Fairfax Project (a K-12 arts education project) in detail. (CMK)

A study evaluated the Research Lead Teacher (RLT) model in providing follow-up support to 18 general elementary education teachers who were learning and implementing a strategy instruction process. Data indicate it took between 3-9 weeks of the RLT model for teachers to consistently implement all the steps of strategy instruction. (Contains…

A project to help teachers use technology to enhance learning is tied to the Lewis and Clark Expedition bicentennial, to bring a sense of adventure to learning. Four examples of projects along the Montana section of the expedition's trail show how outdoor, experiential learning is enhanced by the use of global positioning systems, digital cameras,…

Describes the results of two studies aimed at determining how experienced and inexperienced resident assistants (R.A.) respond to training that is both theoretical and practical in nature. Reports greater overall satisfaction with the practical content than with the theoretical. Contains17 references. (NB)