Within the framework of motivational theory, a study investigated how teachers' use of immediacy behaviors impacted students' learning. Two competing explanations for the immediacy-learning relationship (the motivation model and the attention model) were tested using path analyses with panel data collected over the period of one semester. A total…

An ethnographic study examined the practice of rituals as the pervasive form of communication at St. Mary's (a pseudonym) Catholic elementary school. Four specific rituals illustrate this communication process: morning assembly, "Pass the Pen,""Sparkles," and "Yes please/No thank-you." Morning assembly begins each…

This annual report of the Alaska State Professional Teaching Practices Commission (PTPC) cites activities and services of the PTPC as authorized by Alaska Statutes, Title 14, Chapter 20, Article 5, entitled "The Professional Teaching Practices Act." In general, the Commission deals with matters of ethical and professional standards of…

This annual report of the Alaska State Professional Teaching Practices Commission (PTPC) cites activities and services of the PTPC as authorized by Alaska Statutes, Title 14, Chapter 20, Article 5, entitled "The Professional Teaching Practices Act." In general, the Commission handles matters of ethical and professional standards of…

The use of humor in the classroom has been investigated using a variety of humor operationalizations and methodologies with mixed results. The present study examined the role of teacher humor orientation (HO) rather than specific humorous behaviors. The relationship between teacher humor orientation and learning was the focus of this study.…

A study examined teachers' views about the role of children's literature in reading instruction, how teachers use literature in classroom reading programs, and the congruence between teacher beliefs and teacher practice concerning literature-based reading instruction. Surveys were sent to a representative sample of 1,000 teachers in Ohio (200 from…

This paper argues that instructors can enhance the effectiveness of oral instruction through attention to both the verbal and nonverbal aspects of their teaching. After defining and offering 2 means of achieving effective speaking, the paper discusses how lecturers should analyze their delivery, and makes 32 recommendations for improving delivery,…

This handbook recognizes the growing trend away from traditional disciplinary tactics to a discipline policy that encourages student responsibility. This edition, published by the Oklahoma Department of Education, contains three sections. The first describes methods for creating a positive learning climate, some of which include evaluating teacher…

This study evaluated how well the Council for Exceptional Children's "Code of Ethics" and "Standards for Professional Practice" (originally adopted and disseminated in 1983) have been implemented. A brief literature review examined the development and dissemination of the standards. Analysis of completed questionnaires of 171…

This article argues that researchers, in their efforts to refine measures of teacher behavior, have neglected many of those interconnected processes and events which impinge upon behavior in the teaching environment. This, in turn, has fostered inadequacies in the models used to explain factors influencing teacher behavior. (RC)

The two studies reported in this article examine the verbal and nonverbal interaction patterns of (1) bilingual teachers as they switch from one language to another, and (2) bilingual adults in the same classroom, usually a teacher and an assistant teacher or aide.

Nine generalizations are made about what takes place in smaller elementary and secondary school classes (those with 25 students or less). The generalizations are based on findings from nearly 60 studies. (RC)

Describes a simple observational method for recording and evaluating the caregiving behavior of teachers of younger and older infants that may be used to foster program improvement. (ED)

Literary works should not be used as platforms on which teachers can espouse their own social, political, or religious prejudices; but should be taught as works of art with their own integrity. (JH)

Author discussed the problem the classroom teacher faces when meeting "disruptive behavior" during his teaching time. (Author/RK)