This paper reports the development and evaluation of an observation guide that draws on qualitative techniques of participant observation and semistructured interviewing to help anyone interested in visiting and understanding schools to develop a "big picture" profile quickly and efficiently. The guide reflects the philosophy of E.…

While it is acknowledged that there is no flawless measure of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in childhood, a review of the literature reveals significant agreement in recommended assessment procedures. An overview of these procedures is presented in this paper. It begins with the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, such as symptom…

This selected annotated bibliography on conflict and negotiation is designed for teachers at all levels from childhood to adult. The annotated bibliography is divided into books as general sources, articles and papers reflecting the diversity of approaches to conflict and negotiation, and specific curriculum guides and teaching aids. The 47 items…

Assuming that young children's involvement in music programs provides a conceptual foundation for subjects such as mathematics, this study examined the impact of music education on mathematics achievement in preschool children. A pseudo-experimental design was used in which 35 preschool children involved in a music program treatment were compared…

This paper examines linkages between educational philosophy and classroom activities and presents 10 guidelines for early childhood teachers and administrators to effectively strengthen these linkages. The 10 guidelines are: (1) each child has a capacity to respond to what the teacher brings to the classroom; (2) educators need to open the world…

This document describes a pilot study to provide an opportunity for preservice teachers enrolled in elementary language arts methods courses at Indiana University South Bend (IUSB) and Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) to communicate with one another over time and distance through electronic mail (e-mail). Students at both IUSB and SEMO…

Intended for parents of K-8 children who want to take an active role in their children's reading, writing, and spelling development, this handbook presents guidelines, tools, and strategies to help children spell better, read better, and write better. The handbook provides developmental guideposts to track children's literacy; tips for helping…

The field of instructional supervision in schools has a history of being misunderstood and devalued, having been beset by problems of definition and purpose. This paper examines the history of supervision and its ties with educational administration, and describes implications for supervision and administration. There is a history of tension…

The Saginaw Prekindergarten program for educationally disadvantaged children is designed to provide 4-year-old children with an environment that will enable them to develop skills needed for future success in school. The process evaluation conducted in 1995 consisted of an on-site, half-day classroom observation at 8 of the 15 prekindergarten…

Critical decision making on a whitewater trip goes beyond simply having knowledge of safety practices. Rather, prudent decisions are arrived at through a complex interplay of diverse factors. The question is: how can outdoor educators prepare themselves and their staff to make the "right" decision when faced with a potentially dangerous…

This paper reviews the current theory and research on algebra/mathematics word problems. First, the major research findings are identified and summarized along with the theoretical perspectives that produced the research. The findings are then interpreted from the perspectives of traditional and wholetheme approaches. Also, a sample methodology of…

An internship and a Junior Communication Seminar help prepare students for gainful employment at Shorter College in Rome, Georgia. The second-semester seminar focuses on job-hunting strategies to help students in the search for the required internship and for future employment. A significant portion of the course is devoted to students' dialogue…

This paper discusses the use of reflective learning in service-learning projects in three different undergraduate courses. In a small group communications course, groups of five or six students were assigned to work with a non-profit agency to assist them in solving a problem. The students reflected on their group meetings in journals and wrote…

Head Start classroom observations are an integral part of providing high-quality services to families and children while supporting staff. All too often, however, this opportunity to enhance services and solve problems is viewed either as an evaluation of staff or as a "rubber stamp" to meet funding requirements. Depending on the…

Ways to deal with profanity and inappropriate language used by students are discussed, and methods are suggested to control this behavior. The focus is on middle schools. Students should learn to conform to conventional language usage, they should understand that language can be appropriate, inappropriate, or unacceptable depending on the context.…