For this study, middle-school teachers, students, and principals completed surveys on organizational climate, quality of life, and use of recommended middle-school practices. Student attitudes toward school life were only slightly affected by openness in faculty relationships; they were more affected by classroom organization and use of accepted…

This paper discusses six theoretical assumptions about effective instructional practices for culturally and linguistically diverse learners; literature on African-American cultural practices, interests, and cognitive styles; attitudes, perceptions, and instructional practices of effective teachers of African-American students with disabilities;…

Shared cultural backgrounds and norms about how to use language can influence classroom interactions for minorities, including African Americans. Research finds serious problems when teachers' interactional styles differ from that of students' home communities. The differences can prevent full student participation and limit academic progress.…

Advocates applying the theories of Anton S. Makarenko, an early influential Soviet educator, to the practice of school administration in the Soviet Union. Reviews Makarenko's theories, focusing on the establishment of a unified labor collective school, responsible for students' political socialization and character development. Stresses the…

Describes research on interpersonal expectancy effects, concentrating on classroom settings. Results of a meta-analysis of 448 studies of interpersonal expectancy effects are summarized. A 10-point model for the study of such effects and evidence supporting a 4-factor theory of the mediation of teacher expectancy effects are presented. (SLD)

In this article, a black feminist teacher educator shares personal reflections on learning and teaching about "difference," a political, dangerous, and "unsafe" terrain. She discusses her experiences within the context of misogyny and racism and contrasts her students' struggles against her black female authority in the…

Addresses two questions concerning whole language teaching to young children: (1) What is whole language? (2) What experiences are appropriate for whole language teaching? (BB)

Presents an analogy between classroom space utilization and Peter Brook's 1968 play, "The Empty Space," used in a modern, dramatic literature, college course. Taught from a feminist and student-centered perspective, students configured the classroom and class members as part of their dramatic readings. Stresses the indispensability of…

Explores the hypothesis that declines in achievement demonstrated in early adolescence result from educational context through a review of studies and analyses using National Education Longitudinal Study data (sample of 24,599 eighth graders). Evidence of a mismatch between school environment and student needs is discussed. (SLD)

Describes a study that examined increasing peer interaction in an asynchronous learning environment by investigating the effect of a teacher's discourse style on the level and quality of student participation in a computer-mediated discussion. Three discourse styles (i.e., questions, statements, and conversational) are studied, and further…

Discusses a collaborative project between education and anthropology which qualitatively studies the establishment of strategic connections between households and classrooms in Arizona's Mexican communities. Teacher-researchers visit households, assume the role of learners, establish connections with parents, and develop instructional activities…

The paper examines the problem of resistance to diversity as manifested in some institutions of higher education. It explores the mutually reinforcing dynamic between individuals and institutions in perpetuating existing structures and offers a pathway for transforming resistance into celebration of diversity by identifying sites where change can…

Students' perceptions of differences in teacher interaction for males and females in grades 5 through 12 were studied, and school-related attitudes, preferences, and aspirations of 132 boys were compared with those of 97 girls. Compared to girls, boys perceive inequities to a greater extent and show greater preference for mathematics and science.…

One college administrator's experience in a professional development program with Polish university administrators is described. Aspects of Polish higher education (finance, professional development for administrator, the student-faculty relationship, relationship of the university with alumni and the community) were found to provide perspective…

Explores relationships between various types of research and the implications for teacher/student dialogue. Discusses H. F. Gadamar's view of tradition as text. Suggests Active Tutorial Work strategies may not be engaging student/teacher dialogue. States teachers must take a more active role in initiating dialogue. (NL)