Based upon recent research, this article provides an update of best practices for inclusive education in the areas of program options, curriculum design, classroom environment, social interaction, communication, family inclusion, and support services that will help preschool teachers more effectively serve both normal and developmentally disabled…

This study compared traditional instruction (basal approach) with an interactive instructional conversation (IC) approach for enhancing the language and concept development of five Hispanic students (ages 7-9) with learning disabilities. Proximal measures indicated higher levels of discourse and greater participation with IC, whereas distal…

International graduate students' speaking frequency in U.S. classrooms and reasons that deterred them from participating in class discussion were examined. Implications for those who work with international graduate students about ways to assist them with participating in class discussions (e.g., ESL instruction curriculum) are considered. (LKS)

This study investigated the range of communicative intentions (CIs) used by 3 hearing teachers and 11 preschool children with hearing losses in a lesson context. The study found that teachers used all the following CI categories: conversational devices, descriptions, performatives, requests, responses, statements, and uninterpretables. Only 7…

Discusses different approaches to using student journals in mathematics, including showing a heuristic and practicing skills, creating routine and nonroutine problems using real-life situations, documenting and analyzing mathematical thinking, and following up. (10 references) (MKR)

A white woman professor teaching a black theater history course describes her experiences in the classroom, including the realization of students' expectations of her, her own fears of miscommunicating, the perspectives expressed by students in their journals, differences in white and African American student responses to the same material, and…

Explains factors that influence novice teachers' discipline problems to help students, novice teachers, and teacher educators deal with the problems. The article describes assertiveness as a process for dealing with and preventing such problems and discusses reasons why it can be useful and effective. (SM)

This study of 20 preschool children with disabilities and 8 normally developing children found that more peer interaction occurred during play activities that were more structured, whereas teacher interaction rates were not related to activity structure ratings. Among children with disabilities, rate of peer interaction correlated positively with…

Examination of the nature and roles of two types of classroom talk that emerged from a bilingual multiethnic classroom focused on how students of differing language backgrounds participated in lessons, how teacher allocation of time affected students' learning, and how the latter related to teachers' attitudes and values in selecting and…

Describes the practice of concept mapping, the student-student and student-teacher interactions, and cognitive activity occurring in participants. Authors conclude that concept mapping is an excellent activity that allows students to engage in extended science discourse. The maps provide students with a means to learn the language patterns of…

Examines teachers' political orientations to students, and discusses how teachers communicate power, how students perceive power, and how using power impacts learning, noting that teachers use power to influence students and to protect themselves from students and parents. Four ideas to heighten preservice teachers' political awareness are…

A University of Texas undergraduate course on twentieth century poetry uses conferencing on computers within the classroom for discussion. The technique encourages participation, promotes spontaneity, allows revision, neutralizes gender bias, and improves student writing. A variety of computer programs are available, and the method can be adapted…

Experiences with the evolution of a University of Maryland, College Park, faculty development program focusing on diversity and classroom climate provide insights into appropriate responses to student diversity. Attention must be given to program rationale, theoretical framework, program content, pedagogical approach, format, scheduling, and…

Discusses the use of assessment portfolios and the process of creating a portfolio from the perspective of a teacher educator using portfolios in a methods course and that of a preservice teacher enrolled in the course. (MKR)

One college teacher's strategy for teaching multicultural education and creating a classroom climate that promotes critical thinking and exploration of feelings, thoughts, and opinions is described. Faculty are encouraged to examine their own moral and ethical views of multiculturalism, actively and supportively listen to students, and model…