Argues that the pedagogical is the personal, and considers the pedagogical ethics of the personal. Claims that, regardless of what the teacher's intentions are, a personal relationship between writer and teacher is inevitable, which makes teaching writing more difficult. (HB)

Presents preliminary findings from a survey of portfolio practice in selected elementary schools across the United States. Suggests that portfolio assessment has rapidly become widespread in many schools. Raises concerns about the movement and offers suggestions for how it can realize its promises. (SR)

Illustrates the concerns and problems that two teachers have tackled and are currently addressing as they change their teaching to an integrated language program. Considers issues and dilemmas that emerge when teachers begin to share power with their students. Covers some parallel power issues that arise in the collaboration between…

Investigates mathematics teachers' beliefs about the role reading plays in mathematics learning and about their role in helping students deal with the reading of mathematics. Finds that the teachers were generally undecided in their beliefs about the role reading plays and about the role they should play in helping students in reading mathematics.…

Both the community and the teaching profession are claiming ownership of the problem of the impact of a teacher's private life on his employment status. An analysis uses a construct developed by Joseph R. Gusfield with components of ownership, causation, and political responsibility. (44 references) (MLF)

Examines ways child caregivers can create fun, safe, and stimulating play environment for young children. Includes discussion of several factors: (1) a carefully planned and organized physical environment; (2) routine, repetition, and consistency; (3) clearly stated expectations and limits; (4) interaction with the children; (5) behavior role…

Examines middle and high school students' views of instructional practices teachers use to facilitate reading of difficult textbooks. Finds differences between students' perceptions of the desirability of textbook adaptations (high) and their perceptions of the frequency of teachers' use of adaptations (low). Discusses the disparity between…

Studies writing teachers' rhetorical comments on student papers, including its historical background and as a recent phenomenon. Reviews the findings of an extensive study conducted on a sample of 3,000 student papers concerning instructors' rhetorical commentary. Outlines basic patterns and types of teacher comments. (HB)

Observes and interviews a drama specialist over eight weeks with students first through fifth grades in different schools. Notes how constraints of curriculum, time, and space seem to influence how she controls activities and students. Suggests that these control issues may provide guidance for the non-drama specialist in utilizing drama as a…

Observation in 281 elementary and junior secondary classrooms and interview with teachers found large variation in communication behaviors of Botswana teachers, related to subject matter, presence of a textbook, and school size. Much class time was spent on choral recitation, which was positively related to expatriate staff and pupil persistence.…

Interviews Dr. Thomas Good, Professor of Curriculum and Instruction and Research Associate, at the Center for Research in Social Behavior at University of Missouri-Columbia, concerning his interests in the study of teacher and student classroom behavior. (MG)

Differences between male and female coaches of female high school basketball teams in five areas of coaching philosophy were examined. The coaches shared a similar philosophy on most issues, regardless of gender. Female coaches were somewhat more conventional than male coaches of female teams. (JD)

Comparative research on teachers' perspectives and classroom behavior must focus both on external systematic and institutional influences and on individual differences in teacher personality and background. One such systematic study of French and English elementary school teachers identified "meta-national" similarities and international, local,…

Examines high schools teachers' humor in the classroom. Finds that high school teachers generally use less humor than college teachers, perceive college-teacher humor as more appropriate, and use it as a learning facilitator rather than a learning strategy. Presents a 20-item classification scheme of teacher humor. (SR)

Shares the author's transition from traditional reading instruction to a whole-language approach. Discusses journal writing and dramatization as two effective teaching strategies. (MG)