Utilizes a time-series plus control group design to compare the relative effects of a teacher sending home positive, negative, or a combination of the two types of letters for disruptive students. Results showed the negative letter to be most effective in increasing on-task behavior. (MJP)

Evaluated a practice-site learning experience for 55 doctoral pharmacy students, using student logs and written summaries and pre- and post-experience surveys concerning student awareness, understanding, and mastery of desired outcomes. Students indicated increased awareness and understanding of desired outcomes, and found patient interaction…

Summarizes a recent study concerning the impact of age on students' verbal participation in the college classroom. Discovered that age, gender, attendance, week in semester, and time of day were significant determinants. Examines students' reasons for their lack of participation and offers suggestions to increase it. (MJP)

Investigates how classroom traits (interaction norms, emotional climate) and students' traits (comprehension, confidence) impact on students' participation in class. Multiple regression analysis of survey data suggests that faculty members may play a much less direct role than previously assumed. (MJP)

Defines inappropriate challenges as behaviors suggesting incompetence based solely on certain professor's social characteristics, especially gender and race. Discusses recent research on this problem concerning challenges from students, colleagues, and administrators. Lists suggested coping strategies, including changing the climate on campus and…

Describes a 3-year study to examine whether teachers pay more attention to boys than girls in grades 3, 6, 7, and 10. Reports the difference of teacher's attention and discusses the further research ideas. (YP)

Describes a framework for "culturally responsive supervision." An understanding of analogic or iconic metaphors reveals the power of language to shape what are regarded as matters of fact. Kinesics, proxemics, and prosody bring into focus channels of nonverbal communication. The concept of "framing" calls attention to the metamessages of verbal…

In a three-year study, each of 193 students was seen to employ lesson evading and lesson dissembling, as well as lesson engaging and lesson rejecting, in situations that were confusing, threatening, or boring. Choice of lesson tactic and frequency of employment varied widely. Implications for theory, research, and practice are discussed.…

Examined patterns of giving and receiving explanations in three mixed-ability student groups (grades 7-10) working on problem-solving tasks. Groups were modeled after the cooperative learning approach, Student-Teams Achievement Divisions. Students infrequently sought explanations or received inadequate explanations, and explanation givers did not…

This article examines gender bias in the school, describing the role of parents and teachers in fostering the bias, often unintentionally. The effects of the inequity are discussed and solutions for combatting gender bias are presented. (SM)

Presents activities for the K-2, 2-5, 5-6, and 5-8 levels that require students to analyze information graphically. Asks the students to discuss, describe, read, and write about the graphs and the information they contain. Supplies accompanying worksheets. (MDH)

Reports on the relationship between the seating patterns of students and their observed attitudes toward class activities in an English-as-a-Second-Language class. Discusses issues of physical territoriality, psycholinguistic territoriality, and active participation by students. (CFR)

Because use of computers in second-language classrooms may tend to decrease interpersonal interaction, and therefore communication, ways to promote interaction are offered. These include small group computer projects, and suggestions are made for use with various computer functions and features: tutorials, word processing, voice recording,…

The technique of having college economics students write brief reaction papers in response to assigned readings has been found to be useful in motivating and enhancing student preparedness for classroom discussions. The reaction papers also helped students study for exams and develop writing skills. (MSE)

A college teacher can anticipate discomfort when topics such as human sexuality are in the course syllabus and can take creative steps to promote open and civil discourse. One teacher's experiences have resulted in incorporation of a sensitive-issues statement in the course syllabus, advance preparation for special events and visitors, and…