Computer mediated communication tools enable today's distance learners to engage in collaborative problem solving, threaded discussions, and peer tutoring through asynchronous distance learning environments. This paper suggests that these are best accomplished by establishing virtual learning communities, which break down traditional…

In his role as area head of curriculum and instruction in a major university, the author reacts to some disturbing data that seem to indicate that far too many teachers are not certain about their previous career choices. Less than 50% of the respondents in a national study indicated that they would select teaching again with 8 of 10 of those…

Finds that instructors who are viewed as expressive, warm, and involved are most likely to be judged (by students viewing instructional videotapes used in distance education courses) as highly competent and that, when instructors are expressive, warm, involved, and articulate, their course content is likely to be judged favorably, especially if…

Surveys of 265 elementary and secondary physical education teachers from Alabama assessed their inservice program needs with a focus on professional development needs and preferred inservice program arrangements or settings. Results indicated that physical educators wanted inservice program content to meet their unique needs but that many local…

Reports a national survey of Scottish primary school teachers that examined their confidence about teaching science, technology, and other curriculum areas. Results indicated that the teachers were less confident about their knowledge and teaching of science and technology than nearly all other curriculum areas. (SM)

Parents (n=234) and general and special education teachers (n=248) of high school students with disabilities were surveyed about their views on self-determination. Most parents believed the students should be taught skills and competencies underlying self-determination. However, more than one-third of the teachers indicated they were not familiar…

Discusses research used to support findings from the U.S. Secretary of Education's report, "Meeting the Highly Qualified Teacher Challenge," and suggests that different conclusions would derive from a well-grounded rendering of the evidence. Examines four propositions (among them, teachers who have completed teacher education programs…

Reports a study that investigated a model for predicting commitment to teaching as measured by the extent to which Israeli teachers expressed an unwillingness to change careers. Surveys of elementary and secondary teachers indicated that only job satisfaction directly predicted commitment; other factors such as professional self-image, abilities,…

This Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) position paper identifies the curricular areas that should be addressed in a program intended to prepare teachers of children birth through age 8. Outlines preferred knowledge in the following areas: general education, foundations of early childhood education, child development, the…

Discusses issues in Latvia's K-12, higher, vocational, and adult education, focusing on teachers, language of instruction, and educational research; noting serious difficulties within each area; and offering 10 recommendations (e.g., the Ministry of Education and Science should be in charge of what students should know and be able to do when…

Examines the importance of high quality teachers for urban schools, discussing best practices for high quality school- university partnerships and describing the University of New Mexico and Albuquerque Public Schools Partnership programs, which support collaboration as a strong component of university-level teacher preparation and provide teacher…

Perceptions of regular and special education teachers of their present and desired competency level to teach students with mild disabilities were investigated. Years of teaching experience, number of special education courses, and inservice hours were examined. Elementary regular educators indicated a higher skill level than secondary educators.…

Focuses on a European Co-operation Program designed to foster self-development in the teaching of foreign languages during the residency of established foreign scholars. The program aims to utilize an extensive network of contacts to develop structures, procedures, and learning support materials enabling language teachers to enhance their…

Stresses the importance of experiential learning and reflection as bases of nature interpretation and environmental action. To promote effective nature interpretation by students, outdoor educators must develop skills in communication, dealing with the process of cumulative experiences, selecting evaluation criteria, examining meanings and…

Reports on a survey of teacher education in the United States, Canada, Denmark, England, Japan, and Germany. Reveals major differences between the United States and the other five countries regarding teacher salaries, requirements for elementary teachers, secondary school preparation, and entry into higher education. Offers recommendations for…