Difficulties encountered by students when solving problems were examined using Program of Actions and Methods (PAM) for systematic problem solving in science. Difficulties encountered included those in analyzing the problem, planning the problem-solving process, executing routine operations, and those related to the ways teachers solve problems.…

A case study approach was taken to determine the degree to which teachers, enrolled in a graduate methods class in language arts and reading, comprehended new theories and applied them in their classrooms. Results indicated that there were broad differences in teacher behavior. Approaches to be taken in changing teacher behavior are discussed. (JN)

In this study on the manner in which cooperating teachers reinforce appropriate teaching methods and then communicate their expectations to student teachers, two methods of input were examined: giving directions and giving demonstrations. (JN)

Analyzed the following teacher communication behaviors: nonverbal immediacy, interpersonal solidarity, and communicator style. Studies suggest that perceptions of instructor communication variables differentiate effective and less effective instructors. (PD)

Investigated perceived personality and behavioral correlates of the ideal interpersonal communication instructor. Results indicated there was a two-dimensional structure underlying students' judgments: an evaluative dimension and a less well-defined activity factor. (PD)

Reviews recent developments in education law related to teachers' classroom academic freedom in the public schools and discusses the implications for both teachers and administrators. Available from West Virginia Law Review, W.V.U. Law Center, Morgantown, WV 26506. (Author/MLF)

Observations were conducted in desegregated elementary school classes to determine the relationship between classroom conditions and pupils' interracial behaviors. Diffuse positive intergroup contacts were more likely to occur when teachers emphasized interpersonal concerns. Purposeful intergroup contacts were facilitated by teacher patience and…

This study was concerned with the measurement of a set of indicators of teacher competence, defined by the teachers themselves as observable in their classroom behavior. It was concluded that keys could be constructed to yield stable and consistent measures of most indicators of competency. (Authors/JN)

In "A Case Study of an Educational Innovation: the History of Flanders Interaction Analysis System" (Flanders and Amidon, 1981), the research, development, dissemination, and utilization of the system is described. The parallels between the development and use of the system and the development of more recent educational innovations are…

Factor analysis is of limited value in investigating the influence of students' implicit theories about teachers' behaviors on student evaluations of teachers. (MH)

Richard F. Thompson and Michael G. Southwell separately discuss William J. McCleary's article on reliability and validity problems in composition research (see EJ 210 755); Chris Madigan questions the data on composing processes of freshman writers reported by Sharon Pianko (see EJ 204 419); and C. T. Patrick Diamond examines the issue of the…

Proposed is a "direct detrimental effect standard" that provides a framework for evaluating substantive grounds for dismissal of tenured faculty. It can be applied for immorality, incompetence, insubordination, financial exigency, and reduction in force. (AVAIL: Fred B. Rothman & Co., 10368 W. Centennial Rd., Littleton, CO 80123, $4.50) (MSE)

Present and possible future process-outcome research is assessed, with emphasis on methodological considerations. Compilation of detailed normative data about classrooms, and explication and integration of process-process as well as process-outcome relations are suggested. Studies designed with particular contexts in mind rather than classroom…

Classroom management a collection of measures by which teachers control the events of a lesson. Research suggests that social behaviors can be learned in the same way as cognitive rules. (Author/JN)

A study of a group of 21 teachers focused on the relationship between their psychological states and their utilization of professional growth activities and programs. The study's objective was to generate a practical way of applying Maslow's Theory of Personality to the study of staff development. (JN)