Study examined the influence of an intensive chemical demonstration workshop on fostering pedagogical content knowledge growth among science teachers identified as novice chemical demonstrators (n=8). The two-week workshop was designed around four training elements considered important for effective teacher inservicing: theory, modeling, practice,…

Teaching strategies associated with a conceptual change model of science teaching were examined in a study of seventh-grade life science teachers (n=13). Greater use of conceptual change teaching strategies was associated with use of the special instructional materials, not with the training. Students in classes where teachers were provided with…

Inservice teachers (n=180) participating in seven mathematical problem-solving workshops were asked to define problem solving. An item analysis of the written responses indicated that 67% of the responses were conceptually or terminologically vague. Precise definitions fell into three categories: strategy-based (12%), skills-based (9%), and…

Discusses research on teachers' perceptions about the use of student assessment in instruction and the extent to which teachers have received any preservice or inservice training in assessment. The article presents teachers' responses to a questionnaire requesting information on test use and assessment background. (SM)

A study in Victoria (Australia) investigated integration of students with severe intellectual disabilities into three educational settings. It was found that, although these students are better integrated in Victoria than in the United Kingdom or United States, integration has proceeded with inadequate support services, particularly professional…

The reduction of anxiety associated with teaching science and an increased confidence in science ability in elementary teachers is shown through the use of a properly designed introductory course that integrates teaching methods, the nature of science, and process skills. The course design, evaluation, methods, and discussion/results are included.…

Teachers can contribute to educational improvement by conducting classroom research concerning teaching and learning processes. Action research as staff development advances professional inquiry, improves education, and promotes teacher development. The article lists seven conditions necessary for the school environment for action research to…

The article highlights the results of a Riverside County, California, project to assist special education teachers to develop expertise in strategy instruction. It describes efforts to overcome school/district obstacles to change, establish teacher support groups, and facilitate a reorientation in basic special education philosophy. (JDD)

Systems thinking involves seeing relationships between the parts to the whole within the school improvement effort. After providing the key principles and examples of systems thinking, the article emphasizes the importance of staff development, highlighting experiences at a Wellesley (Massachusetts) middle school and an Alaskan high school. (SM)

Parents, community members, and school staff are involved in planning and staff development for systemic change in Columbus (Ohio) public schools. The model is site-based, data-driven, and school-specific. The article reviews effective schools features and program features, noting the success of the collaborative effort. (SM)

Evolution of the intensive summer oral language proficiency institutes held at the University of Texas at El Paso, beginning in 1984, is discussed. Benefits for participants, including knowledge gained about language testing and improved personal language skills, are noted, and areas for further consideration or improvement in the program are…

Examines the role of educational research in preservice and inservice teacher education in Spain. The paper presents information on legislation from 1970-90, research and teacher training, centers that promote educational research, research dissemination and utilization, new trends in educational research, and teacher educators. (SM)

Describes the SCI-LINK Project that explored ways of linking research scientists and school science teachers. From the evaluation of the project, it is concluded that it helped teachers have a better understanding of scientific environmental research and recent findings. It also allowed teachers to develop activities and other instructional…

Argues that the application of competency-based education strategies have served to reduce the educator's role and marginalize teachers' commitment. Criticizes the British approach and describes alternative concepts. Recommends models of professionalism based on "expertise." (CFR)

Examines the impact of Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) training on 129 secondary school professionals. Training focused on adolescents and homosexuality. Results indicate the trained professionals increased knowledge and tolerance, exhibited constructive behaviors, and were more likely to teach about…