Spontaneity and personal freedom are seen as the fundamental requisites to creative teaching. Unseen pressures leading to increasing conformity in classroom procedures and methods are revealed and constrasted with unique examples of teaching Thoreau, Kafka, and Donne. Teachers are urged to rely upon their own creative impulses. (RL)

Based on Ballack and Davitz's study, "Language of the Classroom: Meanings Communicated in High School Teaching," this study investigated the distinguishing characteristics of the reacting moves used by teachers and pupils. During four consecutive class sessions, 15 New York City high school social studies classes were tape-recorded. Restrictions…

This report presents a chronological review (1893 to 1963) of formal and informal classroom observational studies which, in examining the use of recitation as a pedagogical method, show that teachers talk during the majority of classroom time, asking or reacting to factual questions posed to students. Included is a brief discussion of Arno…

This study investigated the relationship between teacher behavior and pupil reflective dialogue in the classroom assuming that social problems provide a natural springboard for inquiry through classroom discussion. It was hypothesized that different teacher strategies promote different types of class interaction. Discussion styles were to be…

Communication between students and teachers is a basic requirement for learning to take place in a classroom. Like words and phrases, behaviors carry specific meanings which may vary across cultures. When teachers are not aware of cultural differences, when they assume that a behavior has a particular meaning while students assume it has another,…

THE 16 CLASSROOM EPISODES PRESENTED IN THIS REPORT WERE SELECTED BECAUSE (1) THEY RELATE CLOSELY TO IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES AND CONCEPTS OF LEARNING AND (2) THEY HAVE HIGH INSTRUCTIONAL VALUE FOR PROSPECTIVE TEACHERS. IN DEVELOPING THE EPISODE MATERIALS, THE INVESTIGATORS PHOTOGRAPHED AND TAPE RECORDED WIDE VARIETIES OF CLASSROOM EVENTS FROM ONGOING…

Reports on a study of possible differences in interaction patterns between a sixth-grade teacher and different groups of students. Results showed consistency in the interactions studied, but important differences occurred in the quality and quantity with students perceived as "best" and "weakest" and boys and girls in…

Teachers, in their interactions with students, prevent a critical teaching of the body because of the following problems: (1) their information is cloaked in protectionism; (2) conservative educational policies hinder them; and (3) the classroom is too limited to adequately address the question. (Author/BJV)

Describes a study which shows that large communications classes can be taught as effectively as smaller ones if the instructor uses "environmental" teaching methods, in which extensive student participation is guided through the use of explicit learning strategies and objectives. (MM)

A discussion of the role of the Japanese language in the English-as-a-Foreign-Language (EFL) classroom in Japan presents several arguments in favor of using Japanese, followed by some notes of caution and a call to teachers to reflect on their classroom language use. Arguments for using students' native language (L1) include these: in mixed level…

In this study a university mathematics instructor was observed teaching a mathematics content course for preservice elementary teachers. The study focused on her interpretation of meaningful mathematical discussions. The instructor believed in the importance of teacher-student communication and discussion, but saw no differences between meaningful…

Collections of small objects have often been used in mathematics programs to develop classification and patterning skills. This book synthesizes that body of experience to create a new and original sequence of activities that build upon each other in order to draw out the greatest possible educational richness from the treasures. Treasure Boxes is…

This checklist assists in adapting and structuring all aspects of classroom life to better meet the needs of students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The checklist is divided into seven sections: (1) environmental interventions (changes in the physical setting that will increase the likelihood of increased learning); (2)…

The use of poetry in the second language class is explored as a means of gentle, non-threatening communication. Techniques for using poetry to teach intonation, using adjectives, verbs, pronunciation, and syntax, as well as for offering the student another means of expressing feelings, are explored. Sample poems and lessons are discussed, and…

Describes the hierarchical values attached to languages in Botswana as reflected in an educational policy placing English in a prestigious position and marginalizing indigenous languages. The article argues that code switching to English during ritualized question-and-answer performances derives from conventions imposed during colonial rule. (24…