Offers two case studies which demonstrate gaps between teacher's and students' understandings and valuing of writing and revision. Argues that the more specific teacher's comments are, the more likely that students see immediately what revisions need to be made; and the narrower the conceptual boundaries of the comments, the more likely students…

The article critiques the prevailing metaphor of classroom management, depicting three perspectives on classroom relationships that offer differing aims (obedience, responsibility, and solidarity). A discussion of how to perceive classrooms and schools as sites of negotiation between teachers and students is included. (SM)

Twelve trained observers were randomly assigned to one of two methods of data collection in scoring teacher-student interactions. Results indicated no overall difference in observer accuracy between momentary time sampling and continuous data collection when scoring behaviors that differed along the dimensions of frequency and predictability.…

Suggests 28 activities for motivating day care center staff. The activities can help enhance the staff's understanding of their role as teachers, heighten awareness of the staff's personal daily behavior, and encourage the staff to take a close look at their daily routines and verbal interactions with children and co-workers. (BB)

Contends that the issue of whether public school teachers may wear religious garb while teaching is no longer a debatable topic. Argues that wearing religious garb may unduly influence students and therefore violates the separation of church and state. Concludes that teachers must set an example of tolerance and should not wear religious garb…

Reviews the controversy of teaching evolution and creationism in public schools from the early years of the twentieth century until today. Identifies two stages of the legal challenges to the teaching of evolution. Contends that academic freedom issues may provide another avenue to the Supreme Court for those supporting creationism. (CFR)

Explores three elements of writing programs that keep writing alive: evaluation, reading, and experimentation. Includes teachers from various research projects who experiment in their writing, share it with their students, and enjoy what they do. (RS)

Argues that the pedagogical is the personal, and considers the pedagogical ethics of the personal. Claims that, regardless of what the teacher's intentions are, a personal relationship between writer and teacher is inevitable, which makes teaching writing more difficult. (HB)

Presents preliminary findings from a survey of portfolio practice in selected elementary schools across the United States. Suggests that portfolio assessment has rapidly become widespread in many schools. Raises concerns about the movement and offers suggestions for how it can realize its promises. (SR)

Illustrates the concerns and problems that two teachers have tackled and are currently addressing as they change their teaching to an integrated language program. Considers issues and dilemmas that emerge when teachers begin to share power with their students. Covers some parallel power issues that arise in the collaboration between…

Investigates mathematics teachers' beliefs about the role reading plays in mathematics learning and about their role in helping students deal with the reading of mathematics. Finds that the teachers were generally undecided in their beliefs about the role reading plays and about the role they should play in helping students in reading mathematics.…

Both the community and the teaching profession are claiming ownership of the problem of the impact of a teacher's private life on his employment status. An analysis uses a construct developed by Joseph R. Gusfield with components of ownership, causation, and political responsibility. (44 references) (MLF)

Examines ways child caregivers can create fun, safe, and stimulating play environment for young children. Includes discussion of several factors: (1) a carefully planned and organized physical environment; (2) routine, repetition, and consistency; (3) clearly stated expectations and limits; (4) interaction with the children; (5) behavior role…

Examines middle and high school students' views of instructional practices teachers use to facilitate reading of difficult textbooks. Finds differences between students' perceptions of the desirability of textbook adaptations (high) and their perceptions of the frequency of teachers' use of adaptations (low). Discusses the disparity between…

Studies writing teachers' rhetorical comments on student papers, including its historical background and as a recent phenomenon. Reviews the findings of an extensive study conducted on a sample of 3,000 student papers concerning instructors' rhetorical commentary. Outlines basic patterns and types of teacher comments. (HB)