This study examined how much natural variation existed in teaching practices among schools in Botswana. Surveys and observations of Botswanan secondary teachers indicated their behavior was simple, teacher-centered, and involved few instructional tools. Pedagogical routines were consistent over time. External organizational factors significantly…

This case study examines one enthusiastic elementary student teacher's beliefs about science and science teaching, the teacher's classroom practices, and perceived constraints to science teaching. Constraints included lack of time, facilities, and equipment; expectations by the university supervisor, the cooperating teacher, and peers; and…

Instructional behavior items on the Elementary Science Instruction Observation Instrument were used to compare preservice elementary science teachers (n=12) to exemplary elementary science teachers (n=5). Significant differences were noted in the use of communication of objectives; scientifically correct representations; rate of use of questioning…

Notes that at-risk readers often have narrow notions about reading processes and their roles as readers. Discusses research related to at-risk readers' comprehension strategies. Suggests that several aspects of typical reading instruction contribute to at-risk readers' views. Offers suggestions for evaluating aspects of classroom environment and…

Describes problems associated with teaching a multigraded social studies class. Relates an apocryphal story about how one teacher used innovative practices in a multigraded class but aroused administrative ire. Questions whether scores on achievement tests are more important than critical-thinking and decision-making skills. (CFR)

Used least squares analysis and simultaneous structural equation modeling to examine the bidirectional relationship between day-care teachers' lax, overreactive discipline and young children's behavior problems. Found that teachers' laxness strongly influenced child misbehavior and child misbehavior influenced teachers' overreactivity and laxness.…

Presents a case for the development of new criteria for evaluating distance-learning instruction. Discusses elements of effective teaching and possible adaptations of those elements with regard to distance-learning situations. Contains 38 references. (SV)

Describes three basic variations on the process approach to teaching writing witnessed while observing over 300 secondary English teachers: the "classic" process approach, the "antigrammarian" approach, and the "five paragraph" approach. Argues that the idea of error must be allowed back into the classroom, and that lockstep allegiance to a set of…

Relates the author's difficulties adapting as he moved from a computer-equipped writing classroom to a traditional classroom, finding himself unable to adapt in a single semester. Notes how the relationship to the teacher became primary in the traditional classroom, whereas in the computer-equipped classroom the focus was on the task and on groups…

Explores the influence of micropolitical factors on school organization and management, drawing on Ball's idea regarding the inevitability of micropolitics in school settings. Using Edgar Schein's small-group perspective, shows how micropolitical analyses of school cultures and teacher behavior can be used to increase school leaders'…

Investigates the five factors that affect teachers' use of discussion as a means to promote more frequent use of that strategy. Shows that teachers' perceptions of their students influence their teaching techniques. Concludes that familiarizing future teachers about discussion as a teaching strategy could encourage its use in the classroom. (CMK)

Surveyed urban classroom teachers to investigate their temporal orientation, attitudes toward school change and reform, and time investment behaviors. Data from self-report surveys indicated that there were major differences in teachers' temporal orientations and willingness to participate in school reform activities across age and across gender…

Discusses new strategies for conceptualizing teacher effectiveness at the elementary/secondary levels, to be used as a basis for improving the usefulness of research on teacher effectiveness. The aim is to shift away from one-dimensional assessment of individual teachers toward a multidimensional approach that can inform improvement of both…

Compared traditional teacher certification program graduates with those completing an alternative certification program, examining behavioral and teaching practice differences, the effects on their students' achievement, and their perceptions of their own teaching abilities. Data from observations, interviews, and students' achievement scores…

Uses illustrations from a graduate seminar in the teaching of writing, a high school classroom, and a seventh-grade classroom to show the value of teacher-student dialog over teacher monologue, and to show teacher responses that resist the impulse to launch into the teacher's monologue, and instead invite dialog and turn the work of meaning-making…