Tells the story of one family's experience with an unexpected school closing. Concentrates on the effects of one English teacher on a student's life and the effects of the school closing on his future. Depicts the triumph that can result from recognition and empowerment. (JS)

States that prevention of discipline problems is directly related to effective teaching strategies. Suggests that good teaching, based on well-planned lessons, proper pacing of lessons, effective classroom management, teacher assertiveness, and teacher musicality, can prevent undesirable behaviors in the music classroom. (LS)

Presents a portrait of a teacher named Dr. Alberto Cullum, or Cull, and issues concerning the education of elementary school children which are important to him. Issues concern class control, the teacher's ability to listen, the establishment of a real relationship between teacher and student, and recognition of the child's identity and potential.…

Reports a study that investigated how the school climate and the psychological state of individual teachers affect the way they accept and implement innovative ideas. States that teachers operating in more democratic school settings, and at higher psychological levels, utilize the greatest number of innovative educational ideas. (GEA)

Examined whether and how the quality of students' explanations of chemical phenomena was affected by changing the method of giving the question and answer between the spoken and written formats. Concluded that there was no difference between the performance of students using any of these combinations of formats. (Author/YP)

Maintains that helping to see the personal relevance of course material is an important instructional goal. Discusses student characteristics, instructor characteristics, and the use of discussion groups. Describes four strategies to personalize information presented in large lecture sessions. (CFR)

Discusses the inclusion of rules regarding classroom etiquette in an introductory college sociology course. Reports on rules regarding tardiness, leaving early, absenteeism, paying attention, and/or sleeping in class. Concludes that students and colleagues are generally positive about the approach. (CFR)

Argues that education in Dutch schools is still indirectly ruled by principles of social class. Reports on part of a comprehensive study carried out in 44 Dutch elementary schools with high percentages of migrant students. Finds that students' social background is of far greater importance than ethnicity. (CFR)

The QUILT (Questioning and Understanding to Improve Learning and Thinking) program tested the hypothesis that well-designed staff development would positively affect teachers and students. QUILT increased and sustained teacher use of classroom questioning techniques to produce higher levels of student learning and thinking. QUILT participants…

Examines the characteristics of three successful urban-high-school literacy teachers. Results from interviews, literature reviews, and classroom observation reveal the following key characteristics: (1) an ability to engage students in innovative and meaningful literacy practices; (2) a high level of commitment; and (3) the perception of support…

Proposes the technique of group discussions in the learning of mathematics. Examines the teacher's role in creating an environment that encourages student participation; presents four techniques to initiate discussions in elementary school classes; and offers five attributes teachers need to develop in students for effective discussions. (MDH)

Presents a comparative review of art criticism strategies offered within the art education literature. Maintains that most strategies are characterized by three different structures: (1) sequential steps; (2) nonsequential groups of questions; and (3) lists of questions. Provides suggestions for further research. (CFR)

Contends that appropriately designed questions are essential tools in disciplining students' thoughts and reasoning ability. Discusses classroom techniques for using questioning strategies in an interdisciplinary humanities seminar. Includes questioning scenarios for seeking information, interpretation, and speculation/hypothesizing. (CFR)

This case study examined the criteria one high school physical education teacher employed in acquiring the knowledge he found necessary for his professional practice. Through interviews, observations, artifact and document analysis, and stimulated recall from videotapes, it was determined that the teacher had developed five distinct knowledge…

Discusses five variations of staff splitting, a psychological process that starts with seemingly innocent comments that fester in the subconscious of others, leading members of the staff to seek evidence of inconsistencies and individual differences. Provides explicit guidelines and insights about how to turn staff splitting into an opportunity…