A successful approach to orienting new vocational teachers coming directly from business and industry is the New Teacher Workshop at Pennsylvania State University. Intensive guidance and practice in preparing lessons is climaxed by the novice teacher's presentation (and peer evaluation) on closed circuit television. (MF)

Two workshops to help beginning teachers in the transition from employment to teaching are described: the Missouri Vocational Teachers' Institute at the University of Missouri-Columbia, and the Survival Teaching Competencies Program at Oklahoma State University. Required for beginning nondegreed teachers, both programs involve intensive teaching…

Interviews with and observations of principals and teachers in Ontario elementary schools revealed that beginning teachers would seek assistance from an experienced teacher only if they could find one who taught the same grade in a nearby classroom and who appeared open to friendship. (SJL)

The approach described here of assessing Teaching Assistant effectiveness involves three components: class visitation, a student instructional rating instrument, and teaching of the TA's class. The eclectic approach provides a more complete view of TA performance than individual measures. (CHK)

Describes a study designed to determine if there is significant difference between the attitude of vocational teachers and academic teachers toward students. Results, conclusions, and recommendations are included. (LAS)

Argues for the place of mathematical literacy in a just society, and examines the value of the reform movement in mathematics education toward multiculturalism and whole language from the experience of a fifth-grade teacher of mathematics. Critically examines classroom activities suggested by Zaslavsky's book in terms of appropriateness for…

Five alternatives to traditional field experiences in special education are described and contrasted, including: infusion of experiences within content courses; traditional experiences offered during the summer session; working practica; roving practica; and specialized field-experiences. It is argued that these alternatives can provide…

The European Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students (ERASMUS) supports faculty exchanges as part of regular cooperation among European universities. Survey of 485 faculty receiving grants to lecture abroad in 1990-91 examined participant characteristics, arrangement of the teaching visit, obstacles to planned exchanges,…

Cites the benefits of having students care for an animal in the classroom; offers strategies for teaching students the proper care and treatment of animals; and provides guidelines for choosing the right classroom pet and instructions for building a small habitat. Describes a teacher's experience in using a classroom pet to help students learn…

Contains nine excerpts from articles submitted to "English Journal" by veteran teachers. Offers practical tips and stories. Gives advice and encouragement to veteran teachers. (TB)

Focuses on the issue of interdisciplinary curriculum, discussing the differences between integrated and interdisciplinary, essential terminology, disciplines of knowledge, levels of curriculum integration, and benefits of interdisciplinary curriculum. Introduces this special issue of "Music Educators Journal." (CMK)

Describes the group called "Teachers as Musicians" that consists of teachers at the Union Elementary School in Unionville (Connecticut) who are learning to play a string instrument for the first time. Discusses the benefits for the teachers who are participating in the group and the outcomes. (CMK)

Novice teachers who perform student teaching in exemplary schools only are inadequately prepared for classroom circumstances found in typical city schools. Preparation programs should place students in model classrooms in typical schools; provide a "dual school" experience, alternating model schools with more typical ones; or assign…

Reviews theories of teacher education and describes a model of practice teaching designed to facilitate teachers' reflection on their experiences. Suggests that this reflective practice allows teachers to understand collaborative teaching and represents an opportunity for professional liberation and development. Describes experiences from…

A study compared instruction-related actions and thoughts in five experienced teachers and five student teachers of English as a foreign language (EFL). Results indicated patterns of similarities and differences in the groups. Patterns of differences confirmed previous research conducted in instructional contexts with native English speakers.…