Argues that teaching methods usually associated with art history are not appropriate for the subject. Contends that the learning cycle method, based on active, exploratory learning, is much more conducive to student learning. Contends that students learn more and enjoy the course more with this approach. (CFR)

Reports on what British junior level teachers in the United Kingdom are doing in terms of giving formative/diagnostic feedback on literacy at Key Stage 2 classrooms. Finds that teachers made judgments about and provided feedback on a wide range of literacy events, even thought these interactions may not have been viewed explicitly as assessment.…

An expert teacher was studied, using ethnographic and phenomenological techniques, as he planned and taught 2 philosophy courses to gifted students, ages 12-18. The paper provides an overview of the teacher's thoughts and an explanation of the impact of an unwritten and unobservable collection of knowledge on the teacher's observable planning and…

A discussion of sexual harassment in women's studies classrooms looks at hostile treatment of female faculty by male students. It is proposed that certain disruptive classroom behaviors should be understood in the larger context of campus violence against women. Implications for teaching in general and women's studies in particular are examined.…

The theory of reasoned action identified personal and social variables explaining the behavioral intentions of 51 teacher union leaders initiating site-based decision-making programs with their principals. Findings indicate they considered behavioral consequences of power and morale and opinions of other teachers and parent site council members…

Study tested several hypotheses relating concept learning to the use of teaching skills in training settings. Data from 14 training studies that measured both factors were analyzed. Results showed significant relationships between the concept and skill variables and suggested that skill acquisition in a training setting is mediated by concept…

Observation of social studies lessons in a bilingual and a regular classroom containing immigrant Filipino-American students revealed differences between classrooms in communication strategies and patterns. Teacher-student interactions in the bilingual classroom somewhat reflected those found in the Philippine setting, promoting greater…

Contends that improvisation in musical performances can be taught systematically by music teachers. Maintains that each music practice session should include improvisation along with scales, patterns, theory, and listening. Presents an overview of a practice session incorporating each of these five components. (CFR)

This study examined how much natural variation existed in teaching practices among schools in Botswana. Surveys and observations of Botswanan secondary teachers indicated their behavior was simple, teacher-centered, and involved few instructional tools. Pedagogical routines were consistent over time. External organizational factors significantly…

This case study examines one enthusiastic elementary student teacher's beliefs about science and science teaching, the teacher's classroom practices, and perceived constraints to science teaching. Constraints included lack of time, facilities, and equipment; expectations by the university supervisor, the cooperating teacher, and peers; and…

Instructional behavior items on the Elementary Science Instruction Observation Instrument were used to compare preservice elementary science teachers (n=12) to exemplary elementary science teachers (n=5). Significant differences were noted in the use of communication of objectives; scientifically correct representations; rate of use of questioning…

Notes that at-risk readers often have narrow notions about reading processes and their roles as readers. Discusses research related to at-risk readers' comprehension strategies. Suggests that several aspects of typical reading instruction contribute to at-risk readers' views. Offers suggestions for evaluating aspects of classroom environment and…

Describes problems associated with teaching a multigraded social studies class. Relates an apocryphal story about how one teacher used innovative practices in a multigraded class but aroused administrative ire. Questions whether scores on achievement tests are more important than critical-thinking and decision-making skills. (CFR)

Used least squares analysis and simultaneous structural equation modeling to examine the bidirectional relationship between day-care teachers' lax, overreactive discipline and young children's behavior problems. Found that teachers' laxness strongly influenced child misbehavior and child misbehavior influenced teachers' overreactivity and laxness.…

Presents a case for the development of new criteria for evaluating distance-learning instruction. Discusses elements of effective teaching and possible adaptations of those elements with regard to distance-learning situations. Contains 38 references. (SV)