Describes a program for teachers that focuses on environmental issues and stresses the development of collaborative relationships with scientists. (DDR)

Asa Hilliard describes how model teaching programs (like Project SEED), mentoring, and improved teacher recruitment can inspire new teachers to realize how good teaching can be. It is crucial for teachers to develop a deep knowledge about the subjects they love, because they will be eager to share what they have learned with students. (MLH)

Explored the potential of the case method in teacher professional development. Experienced Israeli teachers were exposed to a case, and researchers characterized the resulting dialog. Teacher interviews indicated that teachers found the language of the case communicative. Teachers viewed this method as respectable and credible, though most did not…

Examines the role of Japanese universities in educating Japan's teachers. After an overview of the teacher-certification and professional-development processes in Japan, the paper identifies several propositions that might explain why Japanese universities play a relatively small role in preservice and inservice opportunities and suggests three…

In 1993, Virginia Tech implemented a university-wide Instructional Development Initiative to improve teaching through effective use of instructional technology. Components included a Faculty Development Institute, course-development resources and support, student access to computing resources, and classroom facilities. This article highlights…

Research and theory suggest that college students' motivation to learn is related to their epistemological beliefs. Faculty can promote student motivation by designing learning activities that facilitate student development of more sophisticated epistemological beliefs. Faculty developers can assist in this by giving special attention to the…

Discusses issues related to the integration of technology into today's classrooms, focusing on issues for traditional and constructivist pedagogies: changing classroom environments; computers as part of the classroom and curriculum; dynamic student products involving technology; expanding teaching and learning environments; constructivist…

A survey of teachers revealed that principals who want to promote classroom instruction must talk openly and freely with teachers about teaching and learning, provide time and encourage peer connections for teachers, empower teachers, embrace the challenge of teachers' professional development, and lead and motivate teachers. (MLH)

In the literature, discussions of staff development (as a top-down decision-making model) have shifted to teacher-centered professional growth. Components include teachers as learners, reflective decisionmakers, collaborators, and accountability experts. Creating a culture of learning and involving teachers in strategic decision making are…

Discusses some difficulties that may be anticipated in facilitating teachers' use of functional-assessment procedures. Strategies are suggested for promoting acceptance of the functional-assessment process and for providing training and technical assistance to support its appropriate implementation. (CR)

Lists programs for children and youth with deaf-blindness, Helen Keller Centers for youth and adults with deafness that provide extensive evaluative and rehabilitative services, and programs for training teachers of students with deaf-blindness. Programs are listed by state. (CR)

Expresses the importance of increasing the number of qualified faculty and administrators in community colleges. The University of North Texas is attempting to address this need by the development of the Bill J. Priest Center in Community College Education. The center's first goal is to establish an endowed chair. (TGO)

Examines the effects of professional development in multimedia-based technology for 26 inservice and 14 preservice teachers on science and mathematics instruction. Focuses on three components critical to the success of this professional-development model: (1) linkage of pedagogy to technology; (2) collaborative teacher planning of instructional…

Teacher knowledge and skills make a significant difference in student achievement. This paper discusses recommendations by the National Commission on Teaching on how to ensure that every child has access to high quality teaching; superior teaching in other industrialized countries; unqualified U.S. teachers; variations among states; states and…

Summarizes findings from the Saber-Tooth Project related to systemic change and student learning, concluding that vision is everything; workplace conditions must be addressed at multiple levels; strong relationships exist among planning, teaching, and assessment; and improvement in reform may occur due to the cessation of business as usual. This…