Contends social studies is an exciting, relevant aspect of the curriculum, but it is often presented in a mundane and dated fashion. Reviews research on instructional processes and recommends teaching generalizations based on concepts grounded in fact. (CFR)

Examines the relationship between teacher perceptions and practices in literature-based reading instruction. Discusses elementary teachers' views about the role of children's literature in the literacy program; how teachers implement literature-based reading programs in their classrooms; and whether there is congruence between teacher perceptions…

Surveys 100 K-9 teachers in 1 school district striving to institute whole language. Examines teachers' perceptions of power, their professional background and personal literacy habits, and some current classroom activities to help determine some of the conflict in implementing whole-language classrooms. (SR)

This article shares procedures that were used to establish coaching partnerships across disciplines in an early childhood setting for children at risk. The procedures were effective in facilitating collaboration among personnel that resulted in an increase in effective teacher behaviors and a decrease in ineffective teacher behaviors. (JDD)

Asserts that whether students engage in creative and critical thinking depends on how teachers structure the learning situation. Contends that using "academic controversy" among students provides a basis for deliberate discourse and creative problem solving. Presents a five-step instructional model to guide students. (CFR)

Differences between Teachers of the Year and inservice teachers and the effect of teachers' gender, years of teaching, grade level taught, and highest degree earned were evaluated using the Teacher Belief Questionnaire. Results indicated that Teachers of the Year were significantly more humanistic in their student control beliefs than were matched…

Offers the perspective of a university professor who taught a third-grade class while on a year-long leave. Discusses how the teacher immersed students in print, provided students with regular demonstrations of how print is used, and offered frequent opportunities for students to read. Offers insights on diversity in the classroom and inclusive…

Clinical surgery faculty (n=78) evaluated videotaped simulated surgery student oral examinations. Results showed that regardless of the content of students' responses, evaluators were strongly influenced by how well students communicated. Evaluators preferred a moderate response rate and direct eye contact over a slower response rate and indirect…

Two authors of a paper (EC 602 058) reporting a factor analysis on records referring students to special education comment on their research: how their interest developed, their reaction to critics, clinical impressions acquired from the data, and the possible bias of school personnel toward referring more boys than girls for special education.…

Presents 15 ways for teachers to make early childhood programs developmentally appropriate. (BB)

For aerobic dance classes to succeed, the instructors must be properly trained teachers. Effective teachers must know more than just subject matter. They need sound pedagogical skills and knowledge in the content areas relating to aerobic dance. The article lists recommendations to help aerobic dance teachers be more effective. (SM)

Reports on study of teacher decision making regarding instruction about Gulf War. Finds teachers were influenced by student grade level, number of students in class from another culture, and their own knowledge of Middle Eastern history and geography. Concludes that local and state curriculum officials should provide more flexibility so teachers…

Reports on a study of 110 secondary social studies teachers and the variables that affect the use of learner-centered teaching strategies. Found that methods used in the preservice social studies methods courses had a significant impact on methods used by teachers. Concluded that teacher educators should increase the use of learner-centered…

Students' opportunity to develop high-level competencies depends on teachers' ability to manage independent, thoughtful people who make observations and take initiative. Barriers to competency-oriented education are the absence of summative assessment procedures, the value-laden nature of competencies, and the difficulties in managing…

Discusses the merits of the whole language approach in the context of teaching Canadian Native children to read and write in English. Ways of adapting and supplementing the whole language approach for their specific needs are suggested. (six references) (Author/LB)