This study investigated the way in which different programs deal with the often conflicting requirements for structure and individual freedom in preschool education. Several programs were observed and evaluated. Background issues discussed include the issue of whether teachers or children determine which activities will be undertaken; the…

The language use and interactions of limited English proficient Chinese American first graders and their two teachers were analyzed. One teacher was bilingual; the other was not. The study consisted of three phases: identification of speech events, recording and analysis of speech acts during teacher-directed lessons, and followup of target…

The authors present a quick and simple procedure for observing four behaviors relevant to classroom management: student disruption, student attention, and the teacher's use of both positive and negative events. The procedure utilizes paraprofessionals as raters and is validated by high interrater reliabilities. (Author/EJT)

This article suggests four steps for interpersonal training for teachers. The four steps are: 1) establishing a common definition for the term "empathy"; 2) helping each teacher appreciate past empathic understanding; 3) helping teachers assess other teachers' levels of empathic understanding; and 4) helping teachers become fairly precise judges…

Describes a study which measured perceptions of classroom behavior, both perceived and ideal, of science teachers and students. Using an interaction analysis system to analyze the actual classroom behavior in 33 junior high school science classes, the authors conclude that the teachers perceived their classes to be more inquiry oriented than the…

Compares findings of four similar studies that analyzed patterns of teachers' verbal and nonverbal communication with different types of student populations. (JG)

The article suggests ways teachers can minimize the possibility of hurting students and contribute to their emotional development. (JS)

The purpose of the exploratory study reported here was to examine the nature of teacher-pupil contact in informal junior classrooms in terms of the teacher's method of talking to children and the teacher's conversational approach. (Author/RK)

Author described the problems of Alaskan natives who confront the "equal and alike" classroom teacher and who fail to learn. As well, she considered four different types of teachers in the classrooms of Alaska and how only one successfully taught her native students. (Editor/RK)

This study of dimensions of variation in preschool teachers' classroom talk involved 10 white, middle-class, experienced teachers in developmental classes. Audio recordings and observations were made of 30 minutes of free play time, 5 minutes of transition time, and 25 minutes of group time. For 8 of the teachers, group time included 10 minutes of…

Strategies for principals in supervising marginal teachers are described. Procedures for handling three types of marginal teachers are addressed, which depend on the causes of teacher ineffectiveness. Causes include lack of training, personal problems, and poor attitude. Conclusions are that principal action is necessary to maintain school…

This paper discusses several interrelated processes aimed at helping teachers to use an experimental approach to improve their teaching. In making a diagnosis, the teacher generates a hypothesis about the relationship between his/her potential behavior and its effect upon the students. Following the formulation of such a hypothesis, the teacher…

The influence of the academic culture that academics learn from mentors and senior colleagues is considered, with attention to the socialization process, social learning theory, and the psychology of awareness. The nature of deliberation and decision-making in a typical college or university and the issue of whether the university operates on a…

Directed at students, teachers, and administrators who illegally copy (pirate) software in the elementary and secondary schools, this paper clarifies the copyright law as it applies to software and suggests five reasons why school personnel break the law. Research is cited which indicates that the act of copying software penalizes software…