This study examined where, how often, and how effectively vocabulary instruction occurred in 23 ethnically diverse upper-elementary classrooms in Canada. Data revealed that only 6 percent of school time was devoted to vocabulary knowledge development, with 1.4 percent devoted to vocabulary development in academic subjects. Most instruction…

Presents information about gay and lesbian parenting and its effects on the child, and suggests how educators can address the needs of lesbian and gay parents and their children. (BB)

Looks at conversations between West German kindergarten teachers and children to determine if boys are given an advantage over girls. Analyzes three aspects of the conversations important to language acquisition: teacher input, teaching and learning strategies, and opportunities. Concludes that boys and girls are treated differently. (Author/LS)

The theme focuses on the importance of teaching in vocational agriculture. Includes 10 articles on effective teaching, essential elements of the problem solving approach in teaching vocational agriculture, establishing a classroom climate for success, the economics of agriculture, dealing with student behavior problems, the importance of…

Whether significant differences exist between student characteristics (sex, grade point average, and class level) and student perceptions of teacher traits in terms of their importance to learning was studied in 401 undergraduates at a midwestern university. Significant differences for sex and class level are discussed. (SLD)

Asserts that neither of the two most popular models of art criticism lends itself to a postmodern understanding of the political role of visual art in the late 20th century. Concludes that the historical context model is rooted in historical understanding and that teachers must prepare for this type of instruction. (CFR)

Explores the criteria used by a group of 12 teachers when making routine daily judgments about their students. Utilizing triadic elicitation, a set of 10 bipolar constructs was created reflecting positive characteristics. Elementary linkage analysis placed these in four clusters. (MJP)

Presents three responses to the perennial student question, "Why study history?": (1) the acquisition of higher-order thinking skills; (2) the construction of history through a consistent and clear lens; and (3) the safeguarding of American individualism. Asserts that teachers need to provide frameworks that allow students to interpret…

Reviews the legal principles and precedents that frame current sexual harassment laws as they relate to schools. Discusses school district liability and responsibility for providing school environments safe from sexual harassment. Includes guidelines for developing and implementing school policies regarding sexual harassment. (CFR)

Recommends the use of student-written sociological short stories as an alternative to traditional term papers. Describes how students choose a topic and use sociological theories and research to outline a plot, characters, dialogue, and settings. Includes excerpts from student stories and recommendations on student evaluation. (CFR)

Reports on an action research study by a classroom teacher with 24 12-year-old students to determine whether they can work effectively in cooperative groups without training. Recommends that teachers take time to discover interpersonal relationships and factors in the students' social framework. (CFR)

Maintains that the National Council for the Social Studies national standards advocate understanding of and participation in democratic citizenship by all students, including those at the elementary level. Provides recommendations for developing a democratic classroom and building a democratic school community. (CFR)

This annotated bibliography contains 63 references to literature on the subject of teaching on the cutting edge. Topics include preservice teacher education, politics of education, educational technology, college-school relationships, school reform, diversity, and feminism. (SM)

Contends that interest in Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has led to an increase in the number of sociology courses on the topic. Describes course content, instructional materials, and class activities used in a college course titled "AIDS and Society." Includes two appendices with AIDS "riddles" and answers. (CFR)

Maintains that the inclusive classroom is one in which all students, regardless of differences can flourish. Discusses the role of cooperative learning in establishing and maintaining an inclusive classroom. Maintains that inclusion promotes tolerance. (CFR)