Analyzes a collaborative activity, both as a traditional classroom event and as a collaborative event. Finds that, even when the activity is explicitly collaborative and students are experienced collaborators, patterns of traditional classroom discourse dominate their communicative choices. (MG)

This theme issue is devoted to teachers and teaching and includes nine articles on teacher communication, classroom environment, teacher effectiveness, student learning styles, successful programs, teacher commitment, cooperative learning, teaching strategies, agricultural education in the middle school, teacher behavior, and classroom management.…

Analyzes elementary teachers' interactions with students during guided reading of basal reader selections to determine the extent to which the interactions promote students' metacomprehension abilities. Finds that teachers assumed most of the responsibility for students' comprehension themselves rather than conducting the lessons in a manner that…

Discusses study that was designed to examine the effects of microcomputers on the ecology of secondary special education classrooms and explains the MICROS Observation System, which was used to collect observational data. The effects of microcomputer use on student behavior and teacher behavior are described. (25 references) (Author/LRW)

Assessed are the extent to which the beliefs, "multiplication always makes bigger" and "division always makes smaller," are explicitly held by preservice elementary teachers. Insight into the sources of preservice teachers' beliefs and into the relationship among preservice teachers' beliefs, computational skills, and performance on word problems…

Examines the impact of creativity training--emphasizing experimentation, ideal development, positive interaction, and empathetic responses--upon teacher empathy and interaction with students. Concludes that after training, teachers were more open to student ideas and responses, reinforced students, allowed more experimentation, and listened to…

Examines the effect of state-mandated policy, emphasizing control through performance-based instruction and student test scores as the basis for determining school accreditation, and the teaching and learning of science. Indicates that the state-mandated policy has some unexpected and negative results on teacher behavior. (Author/YP)

Surveys a pilot sample of U.S. teachers in order to analyze their perceptions and preferences concerning who controls the curriculum. Concludes that teachers believe their professional autonomy is constrained by restrictive conditions. Points out that reforms are often not implemented because teachers are not made partners in the change process.…

Suggests how administrators may reduce teacher incompetence. Teacher incompetence can be reduced if administrators fully understand and undertake appropriate preventive and remedial measures. Two sections comprise this article. First, a taxonomy of teacher incompetence reveals the magnitude of the problem. Second, preventive and remedial measures…

Reports on a study of 2,553 students' attitudes toward aggression in schools. Finds differentiated results based on demographic data and with the students' personal involvement in the aggressive acts as either the perpetrator or victim. Discusses practical consequences of the study for schools. (CFR)

Contends that most of the research on gender issues in schools has focused on teacher behavior and the values transmitted through observed talk and behavior. Reports on a study of the views toward their elementary schooling by 53 secondary school students. (CFR)

Asserts that a primary goal of social studies is fostering attitudes and behaviors that reflect effective citizenship for a global, multicultural world. Discusses Robert Hanvey's "Five Dimensions of a Global Perspective" and how they relate to social studies course content. (CFR)

Contends that, from the earliest possible moment and even before birth, it is apparent that babies respond to sound stimuli. Presents a series of music activities designed to make music an integral part of children's lives. Includes activities involving singing, rhythm, musical instruments, and listening to guest musicians in the classroom. (CFR)

Reviews the history of college-level programs for student moral development. Reports on an experimental faculty development program designed to enhance student moral judgment at a private church-related college. Finds positive changes in faculty and student attitudes and behaviors. (CFR)

Reports a study comparing instructional behaviors of physical education teacher education majors across planned and unplanned teaching conditions. Researchers observed teaching behaviors, teaching environments, and learner involvements. Planning positively affected some teachers' instructional behaviors. Planning was important to the employment of…