A 45-item self-rating scale based on nine creativity fostering behaviors was developed and validated with a self-describing adjectives checklist. Analysis of the responses of 117 teachers found adequate construct and concurrent validities. Specific teachers' creativity fostering behaviors were found to correlate with sex and ethnicity. (Contains…

Explored the interaction between the subject-matter contexts of a teacher's work and her identity as teacher and learner. Observations of teacher responses to new state and district instructional policies regarding literacy and mathematics instruction revealed that her identity as a teacher and learner about teaching differed substantially between…

Teacher educators can help prepare future educators to teach homosexual students by creating safe environments for homosexual students, providing positive role models, selecting relevant curriculum and activities, providing information and training for faculty, securing relevant library holdings, and conducting research on homosexual students.…

A study of 114 children examined the relationship of children's competence with objects and peers during free play with stimulating, involved teacher behavior; activity setting; as well as teacher and peer presence. Results are discussed in light of current research and theory on classroom practices designed to enhance children's development. (TJQ)

Describes some of the problems students encounter when they refuse to dissect animals in the classroom, most notably ridicule from other students and even the teacher. Offers suggestions for dealing with ridicule such as humor and education of the offenders. Notes the potential for increased self-esteem and confidence that can be gained by dealing…

Contains practical strategies to help teachers and students confront cultural differences. The strategies can serve as the basis for lessons on cultural diversity adaptable to almost any instructional setting. Includes some specific learning activities and background material on how personal space is utilized and defined. (MJP)

Studied classroom learning environment and teacher behavior in 12 Korean schools through questionnaires administered to 543 eighth graders. Results, which support the cross-cultural validity of both measures, show positive relationships between classroom environment and interpersonal teacher behavior and students' attitudinal outcome. Boys…

A York University (Ontario) project in which four French second-language teachers paired with peers for observation of their classroom techniques and interactions is described. It is concluded that this form of extensive peer- and self-evaluation is a powerful tool for understanding the complexity of language teaching and learning. (Contains 14…

To enhance teaching effectiveness, university professors need multidimensional feedback on classroom transactions. The Teaching Feedback Model is a process that combines systematic observation of student and teacher behaviors with analysis of student learning. The paper describes the model, demonstrating its current use in college-level physical…

Summarizes some of the major findings from the first year of the federally funded National Study of Student Learning. Discusses the implications of those findings for higher education policy and practice.(Author)

Provides personal narratives of four teachers regarding their work to create more democratic classrooms in urban settings. Explores the issues of authority and democracy in day-to-day teaching in the areas of (1) authority, democracy, and relationships; (2) formations; (3) authority and democracy in the writing workshop; and (4) reformations. (NH)

Presents the following 10-step strategy for fostering meaningful staff-parent relationships: convey professionalism, make parent relationships a priority, be positive about each child, be personable and friendly, be proactive in interactions with parents, show passion about teaching, communicate problems tactfully, inform parents about daily…

A survey of the use of technology and multimedia presentations by 410 teachers of students with visual impairments found they were more at ease with general technology than with technology designed for students with visual impairments. When adapting traditional materials, teachers tended to use simpler, less technological solutions. (Contains 6…

As part of an undergraduate course, 147 teacher candidates graded components of an imaginary eighth grader's language-arts portfolio over a 10-week period and reported a final grade. These grades and manipulated variables for student background and academic progress were used to generate a model in which student background, growth, and actual…

Examines teacher practices and how they contribute to or deter home-school connections for diverse families. Discusses practices that deter connections; exclusionary curriculum; noninclusive participation structures; the deficit view of diverse students; practices that facilitate connections; student knowledge, background, and cultural contexts;…