Examines the use of interactive learner/trainee journals in a preservice teacher training course. Results find that formal inclusion of adult learners in the training process provides trainees with access to essential information about the learning process, learner criteria for effective teaching, and the importance of affective factors in…

Examines issues in introduction of an ebonics-based curriculum in public schools in response to the crisis in academic achievement of African American students. Outlines the cultural role of African American Vernacular English, concerns about learning levels of students not proficient in Standard English, and implications for supporting diversity…

Presents a qualitative study of the sociocultural teaching and learning system involved in an introductory direct metal-sculpture studio class. Discusses the cognitive, affective, and physical processes that take place through the social exploration of material, form, and concepts. Includes a graphic model of the learning process. (MJP)

Presents a case study of a middle school mathematics teacher using a discourse-oriented teaching method for a three-year period. Demonstrates how the teacher provided both analytic scaffolding (help in structuring mathematical ideas) and social scaffolding (help in establishing norms for social behavior). Finally, highlights parallels between…

Peer response groups contribute to students' effectiveness as writers in any field, but cultural differences in communication affect interactions within the group. Culture-based dimensions on which communication may differ include individualism/collectivism, power distance, concept of "face," and communication style. Recommendations are…

International students have identified problems in the college classroom that hinder their learning, including listening difficulties, lack of understanding of differences in cultural background, poor oral communication skills, insufficient vocabulary, and poor writing skills. The students suggest both general and specific ways in which professors…

In a doctoral pharmacy course, student pairs were assigned presentations on topics related to specific anemias or blood disorders, and given one-and-a-half hours to present the material, with posters as visual aids, and to answer questions. The method is seen as promoting active learning, critical thinking, and professional presentation skills,…

Makes an analogy between the stories told by teachers of large classes in South African universities and the storytelling of tribes. Suggests their identity is defined by the act of teaching and complaining about large groups with limited resources. Examines implications for content and organization of a teacher education course on classroom…

Explores ideas to help college educators empower students through their teaching. The article discusses assumptions of power and privilege that underlie empowerment, providing examples of how educators can disempower. Biological, psychological, and sociocultural processes of empowerment as related to race, gender, and disability are examined. (SM)

Describes a redefined introductory course on the principles of sociology based on seven principles of good teaching. Includes transforming the learner from passive to active, teaching the process of inquiry, and helping students realize why they are learning. Urges a student-centered approach to learning with the instructor as a participant…

Forms and characteristics of small group physics instruction in the Russian university are examined and in some cases, compared to those used in Britain. Topics discussed include the lecture method, classroom communication during lectures, postlecture discussion, specialized small-audience lectures, problem solving, individual research projects,…

Examines the influence of two self-instructional approaches to classroom management used with undergraduate art education majors. Reports that there was no significant difference in results between the two approaches. Reveals that both groups' understanding and ability in classroom management were higher than those of the control group. (KM)

To help international teaching assistants balance their roles as teacher and graduate student, the University of Cincinnati developed a program in classroom communication skills for this population. It begins with naming and social identity but focuses primarily on communication for participative learning. Interacting with academic advisors is…

Describes a way to involve students vitally and personally in understanding and valuing distinctive moral voices, and discusses a unit from a woman's studies course that encourages students to appreciate different moral perspectives. Use of a case study and role plays promote student insight. (SLD)

Using a small corpus of classroom discourse from graduate business administration seminars, some language features of student-led discussion are identified, then considered in relation to syllabus content. The fruitfulness of a discourse-based approach to both description of formal spoken-language genres and to classroom methodology is discussed.…