Reports on a review of research into the effects of organizational structure on the acquisition of knowledge. Asserts that the opportunity to learn has two dimensions: (1) the amount of exposure; and (2) the quality of exposure. Concludes that teachers and students make decisions about these dimensions, which are affected by inducements and…

Describes the use of the board game, Jeopardy, in a college level abnormal psychology course. Finds increased student interaction and improved application of information. Reports generally favorable student evaluation of the technique. (CFR)

Reviews and interprets evidence that demonstrates underachievement in working class children. Argues that any success with improving effectiveness of these students is determined by classroom teachers. Concludes that continuous efforts must be made to reduce the gap between everyday experience and classroom experience. (CFR)

Examined the potential of teacher-researcher collaboration for enhancing the effectiveness of early learning experiences of 4-year-olds in England. Found that, during fieldwork, child engagement and teachers' stimulation, sensitivity, engagement, and autonomy increased. Teacher and student engagement were related. Suggests that teachers who strive…

Examines the topic of character education, with specific references to the Fall 1996 National Council on the Social Studies (NCSS) Position Statement on Character Education. The NCSS emphasized the connection between character education and citizenship education and recommended that both be integrated into curriculum and instruction. (MJP)

Used classroom observations and in-depth interviews to study first-grade teachers nominated as outstanding or typical in ability to help students develop literacy skills. Characteristics of teachers whose students demonstrated highest achievement included (1) coherent and thorough integration of skills with high-quality reading/writing…

Offers four surveys for teacher self evaluation that present recommendations for relating to students in a positive manner; preventing student misbehavior; handling student discipline situation; and providing classroom leadership. Discusses ways to use these self evaluation surveys. (SR)

Twelve Swedish day-care centers were studied concerning patterns of adult behavior towards children, and adult intentions, attitudes, and norms regarding work and interpersonal relations. Found that patterns of adult behavior were proscribed by three different center climates: future focused, present focused, and combined. Three patterns of adult…

Explored the extent to which 14 junior high school teachers and 60 of their male students perceived differences in the teachers' student-directed behaviors as a function of the students' achievement level and race. Students felt teachers acted negatively toward low achievers and positively toward average achievers and African American students.…

This study examined the effectiveness of the Coaching Analysis Instrument (CAI), which collects data and provides feedback on coaches' verbal behaviors as they organize and instruct athletes during practices. Practice sessions were videotaped and analyzed. CAI results helped modify the coaches' behaviors in positive ways. (SM)

A survey of 368 elementary and secondary regular education teachers and a survey of 274 high school students with and without disabilities examined the acceptability of report card grading adaptations for students with disabilities. Teachers were willing to make adaptations but students perceived use of individualized adaptations as unfair. (CR)

Surveys completed by 218 K-8 teachers in two southern California school districts examined teacher opinions about using language minority students' native language for their instruction. Support for practical implementation was less positive than for the theoretical principles. No clear predictors of attitudes toward the issue were found,…

Investigated types of knowledge and beliefs elementary teachers needed to teach a civics/citizenship education unit. Teachers implemented a special unit on childrens' needs, rights, and responsibilities. Data from videotaped lessons and teacher interviews found seven themes, four of which were relevant: knowledge of content and resources,…

Occupational socialization in schools is a known factor counteracting attempts at educating innovative teachers. In this study, findings are reported from a longitudinal study conducted among 357 students, 128 cooperating teachers, and 31 university supervisors from 24 graduate teacher education programs. Quantitative survey data as well as…

Purpose: Organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) has received much attention in the past decade as scholars have recognized its significant impact on the success of organizations. The current study seeks to enrich our understanding of citizenship behavior in the school setting by identifying the main factors that may enhance this behavior among…