Analyzes the results of a questionnaire given to psychology departments offering doctoral programs. The survey asked department chairs to identify pedagogical responsibility and training components for teaching assistants and to rate teaching assistant supervisors. Includes a statistical analysis regarding specific teaching functions and training…

Examines the required and elective geography courses, staffing, textbooks, and methodology used in Dutch secondary school geography instruction. Shows that geography enjoys a high status, that Dutch textbooks tend to apply major geographic themes to a specific regional setting, and that active learning plays a prominent role. (MJP)

Recalls the elementary and secondary educational experiences of a Canadian graduate student in education. Connects personal incidents to pedagogical issues of student performance, teacher student relationships, self concept, and social development. Concludes with a correspondence between the student and one of his early teachers. (MJP)

Addresses some of the practicalities in doing a senior paper on sexual geographies (gay neighborhoods, heterosexual clubs, women's work areas), from choosing a topic to selecting a relevant methodological framework. Considers ethical issues inherent in the independent research including confidentiality and objectivity. Briefly reviews recent…

Explores some of the ways that sexuality is an issue in the course of teaching. Includes discussions of crushes between students and staff, consensual personal relationships between staff and students, and sexual harassment. Discusses creating an atmosphere that enables lesbian, gay and bisexual students and staff to "come out." (MJP)

Goodness of fit is the compatibility between a child's temperament and his or her environment. When temperament is recognized, respected, and accommodated by creating complementary classroom environments and situations, healthy social and personality development occurs. Compatibility between the child and the demands and expectations of teachers…

Summarizes a case study examining how a nongraded, multiage schooling structure differs from a traditional grade structure, based on participants' perceptions. The ungraded school studied used responsive instruction, fostered student leadership and collaboration, created a family of learners, and encouraged student independence and responsibility.…

The focus of this study was the psychological factors predictive of violence in school settings. Examined the psychological factors of impulsivity, empathy, and locus of control together in relation to school-based violence. Specifically sought to determine the extent to which these psychological factors can predict violent behavior by youth…

Discusses ways to cultivate a more peaceful and respectful atmosphere in schools by incorporating developmental, preventive, and multicultural theories into the school environment. Three components are reviewed: (1) traditional conflict resolution learning strategies; (2) curriculum-based efforts designed to help students acquire the life skills…

Investigated four hypotheses regarding gender differences in mathematic achievement. Questionnaires were completed by 97 students (58 female and 39 male). Responses support two hypotheses: females do not perform as well as males, especially on standardized tests; roles played by parents, teachers, and peers contribute to these differences.…

Introduces an 11-step organizational audit designed to help administrators in the sport and activity sector, as well as the traditional business sector, create a friendly, encouraging environment for all. The 11 steps are: empowerment; rewards; evaluation; mission statement; policy manuals; resources; communication; organizational structure;…

Case studies of three urban American Indian high school dropouts found that alienation in school, family values, and a need for economic independence contributed to dropping out. An alternative high school in Milwaukee (Wisconsin) for at-risk and American Indian students emphasizes wellness, school-to-work programs, service learning, culturally…

Examination of business education and management training in East Central Europe indicates that they rest on decades of tradition unique to each country, which must be taken into account when change is undertaken. Specific recommendations are made for both making change and maintaining continuity in curricular, pedagogical, administrative, and…

Highlights selected recent ERIC documents that discuss aspects of program and school effectiveness in middle level education. Provides citations on eight books and five journal articles with abstracts and ordering information. (AA)

Discusses the need for reform at the middle school educational level. Suggests that middle schools should create an environment that reflects and responds to young adolescents' needs and developmental level. Effective middle school teachers must adopt new modes of teaching as they face the challenges and opportunities presented by changing…