Contends that social studies teachers are just as likely to experience student motivational problems as teachers of other subjects. Discusses issues related to student motivation and asserts that the teacher-student relationship is a critical variable. Presents and discusses 10 recommendations and classroom activities. (CFR)

Maintains that a survey of beginning social studies teachers would probably show that their major concern is classroom discipline. Discusses discipline-related issues such as why do students obey rules, what actions should be taken, and discipline strategies. (CFR)

Reports on a study of 138 college sociology professors on their attitudes about and techniques for learning students' names. Finds that the number of tactics used for learning names declines as class size increases. Includes 18 techniques for name-learning. (CFR)

Discusses environmental education, noting that teachers' science backgrounds are not nearly as important as their showing interest in children's experiences and discoveries, respect for environment, and encouragement of close observation of the world. Suggests that to help children understand and appreciate nature, teachers can focus on having…

Using hypothetical puppet interviews, 48 preschool children were interviewed about their preferences for teacher methods of conflict intervention. Puppet vignettes contrasted conflict issue, peer status, and resolution strategy (negotiation, power assertion, and disengagement). Results showed that preschoolers preferred negotiation strategies over…

Maintains that art education programs and art educators often lack power within college and school bureaucracies. Describes three ways in which a college art education program maintained its influence over time. Provides three recommendations for developing an awareness of and exercising academic influence. (CFR)

This survey of 510 special education teachers found that most teachers collect, record, and use data on student performance to determine instructional effectiveness, appropriate time to move students to the next skill, and which objectives have been met. Only one-third of teachers used graphs for displaying and interpreting data. (Author/JDD)

A university supervisor conducted professional coaching sessions with three pairs of special education team teachers enrolled in a practicum, to increase positive teacher behaviors and decrease negative teacher behaviors. The coaching was found to be effective in improving teacher skills as well as in maintaining and generalizing the skills. (JDD)

This literature review focuses on methodologies, instruments, and findings from research on the instructional contexts of elementary and secondary students with learning disabilities. The review covers the time that students were engaged in different activities in different settings, interactions between teachers and students, and students'…

The author's personal experiences in overcoming mathematics anxiety provide insights into how teachers can create a classroom environment to help students develop self-confidence by assessing students' feelings, using cooperative-learning techniques, showing more patience, and having students write about their experiences. (MDH)

Examines the relationship between English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) teachers' theoretical beliefs about second-language learning and teaching and their instructional practices. Finds that most possess clearly defined theoretical beliefs reflecting one methodological approach (skill, rule, or function based) and that their literacy instruction was…

Discusses the application of moral orientations of justice and care in the context of classroom cheating incident. Explores the everyday moral choices inherent in teaching. Defines teaching as a relational activity concerned fundamentally with morality. (DK)

School memories are salient to teacher development and practice. Descriptive essays on 410 graduate and undergraduate students' best and worst school memories were examined and categorized thematically. Formulations about the value and meanings of those memories for research and practice in teaching are presented. Themes include academic…

Study described how rules, routines, and expectations for students entering high school physical education programs were established, noting disciplinary action and teachers' perceptions of discipline. Surveys, interviews, and observations indicated teachers did not perceive major classroom discipline problems, and they saw rules, regulations, and…

In a study of differences in frequency of interruptions, aspects of dominant-submissive sex role behavior in preschool children and their teachers during conversation were examined. Boys interrupted teachers more than girls did, and teachers interrupted girls more than they did boys. (LB)