Asserts that when teachers pose problems that yield solutions running counter to students' perceptions, it results in enhanced student interest and motivation and improves thinking skills. Provides examples and three suggested activities for implementing the approach. (CFR)

Discusses positive verbal feedback, or praise, from teachers to students. Presents four purposes for praising students: (1) recognition; (2) encouragement; (3) description; and (4) evaluation. Provides a chart listing criteria for assessing verbal evaluations and a six-item list of suggested readings. (CFR)

Contends that the end of the Cold War does not necessarily mean the triumph of democracy. Presents contemporary interpretations of the democratic concepts of liberty, equality, and fraternity. Asserts that responsible action in a democratic society requires continued reflection about values education. (CFR)

Argues that the primary grades play a crucial role in the development of student attitudes toward the natural environment. Describes content and activities used in the primary grades to develop ecological and aesthetic values. Discusses using problems associated with nature study as topics for moral development activities. (CFR)

Asserts that beginning teachers frequently have difficulties working with students, colleagues, and in the school environment. Provides a list of "Do's" and "Don't's" for a successful introduction of their instructional techniques, policies, and expectations. Argues that a positive attitude and total involvement in their work are essential. (CFR)

Presents a National Council for the Social Studies position paper. Describes a vision of K-12 social studies teaching and learning to develop levels of social understanding and civic efficacy essential for participatory citizenship. Advocates curriculum content and teaching methods that are relevant, challenging, and active. (CFR)

Examines the impact of Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) training on 129 secondary school professionals. Training focused on adolescents and homosexuality. Results indicate the trained professionals increased knowledge and tolerance, exhibited constructive behaviors, and were more likely to teach about…

This study formulated and tested a mathematical model to predict learning in which the amount of correct information recalled from an audio learning task is a function of the rate of oral communication. (Contains 36 references.) (MDH)

Outlines a theoretical foundation for a hermeneutical analysis of discourse in middle school mathematics classes. Presents examples of classroom discourse to illustrate the ways in which beliefs about mathematics and mathematical structure are communicated and ways in which appreciation of justification in mathematical discussion develops. (MDH)

Argues that active learning should be the goal of every teacher. Contends that this can be achieved through the use of cooperative learning, attention to learning styles, and hands-on strategies. Includes a lesson plan utilizing audiovisual aids. (CFR)

Realization of high failure rates among Native students sparked a study of professor/student relationships at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. On the Personal Learning Styles Inventory, minority (Native and Hispanic) students scored highest on active experimentation and concrete experience. Indigenous students also rated professor…

Preservice and inservice teacher education must prompt teachers and educators to question issues of race, class, and ethnicity and develop appropriate courses of action. Teacher research is useful in that regard. Teachers can use research in work with other teachers and teacher educators to examine their knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. (SM)

The professor's primary responsibility to students is directly related to the professor's understanding of his ethical self. The first step toward establishing ethical identity within the ethos of higher education is self-reflection. The quality of faculty decision making can be improved by increased self-awareness and sensitivity to student…

Examines the dialogic nature of educational practices, by studying how local speech genres in two diverse communities influence teachers' descriptions of their practice and the children with whom they work. Argues that the meanings attached to the way students are viewed are generated within a community and have profound implications for the way…

A study used qualitative methods to examine lack of clarity and need for inference in teaching of an undergraduate physics course for nonscience majors. Evidence from several data sources converge, revealing very low levels of student understanding of material presented and strong dissatisfaction with instruction, and also insights into teacher…