A study to determine the best predictors of teacher technology use in the classroom was conducted for small rural schools in southeastern Idaho. A 40-item survey was completed by 3,500 teachers in 55 school districts. Results indicated that one third to one half of the teachers never actually used technology for any instructional purpose. Over 70…

This book poses fundamental questions about the role of teachers in society. Chapter 1, "Contentious Behaviors," presents four hypothetical cases of teacher behavior (an affair, bare facts, world views in collision, and crossing boundaries). It also discusses the case of trouble, the normative base, teacher role, social drama, a national…

This report describes the outcomes of a study that examined teacher efficacy in order to generate an exploratory and explanatory theory of teacher efficacy in the context of four heterogeneous fifth and sixth grade classrooms. It investigated how the four elementary teachers identified as being efficacious described the relationships between…

The simultaneous effects of two instructional variables of degree of teacher direction (student- versus teacher-directed) and time allowed for study and the student variable of general ability are described for student achievement (N=912) in three life-science instructional modules. (Author)

A model of classroom characteristics and interaction is used to examine the roles of group size, problem types, and student behaviors, central concerns in problem-based learning, in medical education. The model incorporates six classroom dimensions, including four process variables (classroom organization, learning task, teacher's instruction,…

Describes and illustrates the interaction between personal, policy, and organizational factors that influence teachers' decisions regarding content and teaching methods. Specifically questions how this information might be used in determining the efficacy of educational reforms. Includes verbatim comments from teachers and a sample of interview…

Encourages and guides teachers in utilizing direct praise of students to increase performance and self confidence, and to build positive self esteem. Details specific language habits, gestures, and methods for teachers to identify their behaviors, critical remarks, and evaluative terms, and replace them with feedback that reinforces correct…

Elementary school teachers' negative perceptions of parents in Villefleurie, France are explored. Teachers see parents as "natural enemies" and criticize all categories of parents to different degrees. Contributing factors include role conflict, class conflict, local history, and teachers' need to ascribe blame for academic or behavioral…

Asserts that, in an economic environment that threatens music programs, elementary music educators must reexamine their role in schools and work toward creating a program that is considered too necessary to cut. Discusses the history of music education and suggests approaches for keeping the program alive. (CFR)

Reviews the social studies goal of citizenship education. Describes the goals, instructional techniques, evaluation methods, and classroom management strategies used in the Mississippi Freedom Schools during the middle 1960s. Contends that these schools could be used as a model for effective social studies instruction today. (CFR)

Supportive learning activities were implemented in a multiple-baseline time series design across four fifth-grade classrooms to evaluate the effects of a cooperative teaching alternative (supportive learning) on teaching behavior, the behavior and grades of general and special education students, and the opinions of general education teachers.…

Maintains that the traditional role of standards in elementary curriculum development is that of asking important questions regarding quality curriculum design and instruction. Presents seven questions to guide teachers as they utilize the standards. (CFR)

Reviews research on the relationship among young children, their developing skills, and art. Maintains that children's development, like art itself, grows out of the individual child artist and his or her place in life and culture. Presents examples of developmentally appropriate art activities and instruction. (CFR)

Reports on a study of how engenderment (socialization to gender) operates in both male and female single-sex and coeducational independent schools. Finds that teachers initiated most of the incidents in six categories of sex discrimination. Asserts that schools with active gender equity policies were the least likely sites of sexism. (CFR)

Reports on a study about the influence of different writing tools and classroom environments on students' writing processes and achievement. Finds that using computers rather than pen-and-paper writing was less teacher dominated and more student independent. Discusses implications of the study. (CFR)