Asa Hilliard describes how model teaching programs (like Project SEED), mentoring, and improved teacher recruitment can inspire new teachers to realize how good teaching can be. It is crucial for teachers to develop a deep knowledge about the subjects they love, because they will be eager to share what they have learned with students. (MLH)

Discusses how teachers can use magazines written for culturally and linguistically diverse groups to increase their own knowledge base and to use as a resource for multicultural-education lesson planning in order to provide students with an opportunity to learn about high achieving individuals who come from backgrounds similar to their own.…

Describes the way in which 12 primary-grade teachers responded to reform-minded teaching of multidigit addition and subtraction. Discusses the nature of effective teacher-development programs. Contains 21 references. (ASK)

Investigated the evaluation and implementation of four standards-based curriculum programs by middle school mathematics teachers. Data from classroom observations, field notes, individual and group surveys, and teacher and administrator interviews indicated that amount and quality of teachers' experience, curriculum and instruction knowledge base,…

This study assessed factors contributing to global program quality in 180 community-based child-care centers in North Carolina. Inclusive early-childhood programs scored higher on the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale. Other predictors of global program quality included teacher education, professional experience, and teacher self-ratings of…

Current reform documents in mathematics education recommend that teachers help students develop both conceptual and procedural understandings; however, teachers often do not possess the in-depth mathematical reasoning abilities necessary to accomplish this goal. Describes one way in which preservice teachers can come to better understand the…

Examines the significance of pedagogical studies for the professional self-image as exemplified by studies leading to a degree in education. Surveys students' prospective conceptions about future professional activities, and teachers' retrospections on the significance of their studies for their professional practice. (DSK)

A greater role for the history and philosophy of science in science education can only be realized if it is based on both a credible analytical approach--such as that of Lakatos--and if the evolution of a sufficient number of major themes in science is known in suitable detail. Considers chemical kinetics as an example topic. Contains 62…

Reports on a study of alternative conceptions held by junior high-level secondary science teachers enrolled in an inservice teacher-training program. Finds that science teachers are inadequately prepared to teach a broad and balanced science curriculum. Contains 34 references. (Author/WRM)

Describes tools for authoring all aspects of a knowledge-based tutor system: domain model, teaching strategies, student model, and learning environment. Discusses a number of design issues and design tradeoffs that are involved in building intelligent tutoring systems (ITS). (Author/CCM)

Assesses preservice and inservice reading teachers' literature knowledge and their skill in analyzing literature for middle/upper grades. Indicates that half of undergraduates knew only half of the literary terms and were unable to analyze either the story or poem adequately. Notes that graduate students fared better. Concludes teachers may have…

Explores how children's ideas in science affect elementary science instruction by investigating whether and how three primary teachers recognize and react to student ideas. Finds that the experienced teacher with the highest level of content knowledge had the largest repertoire for eliciting and addressing student ideas, and the intern teacher's…

Argues for using "conflict maps" as a way of enhancing science teaching and learning. The conflict map emphasizes not only the use of discrepant events, but also the resolution of conflict between students' alternative conceptions and the scientific conception. Discusses the conflict map as an instructional aid for teachers or as a…

Announces the intention of the Association for Science Education (ASE) to assemble, record, and disseminate science teachers' professional knowledge and skills about science teaching in celebration of the organization's centenary in 2001. (WRM)

Summarizes the events that took place at the Primary Science Seminar held by the Science Teachers' Association of Western Australia (STAWA). Features instructions for seven time-related activities taught at the seminar including Sundials, Water Clock, Sand Timer, Pendulum, Tornado Timer, Marble Timer, and A Matter of Timing. (WRM)