Observation of 401 college teachers indicates that teachers of different academic disciplines (arts/humanities, social sciences, natural sciences/mathematics) differ in the frequency of specific classroom teaching behaviors, but that what makes an effective teacher, in the perception of students, is consistent regardless of discipline.…

Describes how a teacher shared her love of poetry once a week with a class of seventh-grade students who hated poetry, and how, in a few short months, students who had hated poetry for years became poetry lovers. (SR)

Reports on a study to determine the impact of feedback on academic achievement. Finds that students who received daily feedback scored significantly better on tests than students who received partial or no feedback. Maintains that the benefits to students outweigh any difficulties for teachers. (CFR)

Analyzes teachers' views of working high school students and the impact of student work upon classroom organization and performance. Results from 311 teachers show their concern for working students but few classroom adjustments to accommodate them. Implications of these findings for the classroom performance of teachers and school organization…

Although whole-language teachers may have more freedom in the classroom than teachers who follow a more prescriptive approach, they are still accountable to parents and administrators. Whole-language teachers need to have a philosophical rationale for the decisions they make, be consistent in their application, make informed choices, be responsive…

Examines the concept of accountability, including some practices of accountability and how accountability can be achieved. Concludes with a discussion of how accountability must be demonstrated in the early childhood profession, noting the development of a code of ethics by the Australian Early Childhood Association, and citing to whom, when, and…

Discusses the statement "I just love children" and its inappropriateness in the context of working with children in child care settings. Stresses that such statements are sometimes indicators of inappropriate attitudes on the part of caregivers, such as exercising undue power, fostering dependency, patronizing, being amused by children,…

Contends that the use of commercial published curricula, particularly textbooks and teacher's guides, is widespread in U.S. church-sponsored programs of religious education. Reports on case studies of five church-school teachers on their curriculum development and lesson-planning procedures. (CFR)

This study examined whether selected indicators of effective teaching would differ across three levels of expertise in teaching elementary physical education. Teachers and target students were videotaped during class; teachers' verbal negative feedback data were analyzed. Results indicated that expert teachers were not necessarily more effective…

Examines ways in which elementary school teachers organize their workplace behaviors as they respond to computers in their schools. Data was collected via extensive observation and formal interviewing in nine elementary schools. Findings revealed that teachers shape the meaning of computer technology through avoidance, integration, and technical…

Notes five broad types of discipline problems teachers encounter in their classrooms. Provides keys to a successful discipline management program, which includes being consistent, setting standards, and keeping a sense of humor. Suggests ways to promote favorable student attitudes toward school. Includes a conflict clarification form and suggested…

Study examined the relationship between elementary students' perceptions of instructional behaviors and use of cognitive strategy during reading comprehension. Students read, then answered questions about, strategy use and teacher behaviors. Teacher behaviors created conditions that influenced strategy use; student interpretations of certain…

Provides relevant background information about the hemispheric nature of the brain. Presents a framework for resulting practical implications for elementary school language arts. Notes that both prospective and practicing elementary school teachers should find this linkage of theory and practice beneficial as they help children gain language arts…

Six theme articles discuss teaching students with different learning styles; student-teacher communication; teaching behaviors that have a positive influence on student achievement; teaching effectiveness; evaluating effective teaching; and tools for measuring effective teaching. (JOW)

Notes innovation and creativity as an alternative to violent response to anger or frustration. Discusses prerequisites for success of social problem approach to conflict resolution and presents six specific steps to this approach and its benefits for both teacher and children. (HTH)