Two authors discuss the allocation of classroom instructional and noninstructional time and suggest ways that an elementary teacher can increase students' engaged time and his/her own productivity as a teacher. (Author/SJL)

Defines the open classroom approach as a pedagogical strategy which emphasizes student interests, student responsibility, and informality without ignoring traditional curriculum content. Outlines the major features of the open classroom approach and suggests ways it might be applied to the elementary math, language arts, social studies, and…

Presents ideas for creating a purposeful classroom environment that will help students become strategic readers. Suggestions include using the conference table to learn about students as readers, organizing books to help children make wise choices, and creating a meeting area that invites discussion. (SM)

Suggestions are presented to increase the special education teacher's organizational efficiency, focusing on instructional planning and use of time and space as they relate to classroom organization. (JDD)

Discusses "REFLEX," a software package for scheduling. Explores the program's applications in preparing a departmental class schedule. Explains that "REFLEX" includes a filter function and some attributes of a spreadsheet but lacks the ability to interact with other databases. Concludes that the program can make scheduling…

The six editions of this newsletter provide a forum for the sharing of research findings and instructional strategies by faculty of Western Michigan University on issues connected with critical thinking. Topics addressed include alternative program designs for critical thinking instruction, a philosophical exploration of what critical thinking is,…

This document summarizes the first wave of data collection and findings for the elementary, middle, and senior high schools participating as pilot sites for the Positive Attitudes in Tennessee Schools (PATS) Project. Following an overview of the goals of the project, the school improvement change model used by the project, and the research and…

School location of microcomputers and its impact on use were examined using data from the National Survey of School Uses of Microcomputers. An analysis of the responses from 1,082 (68% of the sample) microcomputer-using, public and non-public, elementary and secondary schools surveyed between December 1982 and March 1983, suggests that where…

In light of the importance of a teacher's managerial ability and the use of small and large group instruction to increase direct instruction time, teachers should apply specific managerial skills in their reading classes to ensure student learning. Successful teachers get to know their students, set instructional goals, and make sure students know…

Poses six questions for administrators considering a year-round, multitrack school schedule. Discusses probable constraints concerning implementation levels, class organization, staff preparation, and impact on plant maintenance, summer school programs, and community relations. Classroom sharing and summer school present special difficulties;…

Discusses grouping as the method by which ESL classes can be individualized, while at the same time serving to encourage student communication. Identifies three categories of grouping, along with the skill areas for which each is most effective. Also presents four classroom management models and discusses the strengths and weaknesses of each. (EKN)

In multigrade instruction, children of at least a 2-year grade span and diverse ability levels are grouped in a single classroom and share experiences involving intellectual, academic, and social skills. "The Multigrade Classroom" is a seven-book series that provides an overview of current research on multigrade instruction, identifies…

Over 30 activities for elementary school classes during the first week of school are described. Ideas are included for a first day checklist, correct pronunciation of names, getting acquainted games, and classroom organization hints. (CJ)

Presents a discussion of experimental-research paper organization and a method for teaching reading and writing of papers to ESL students. (EKN)

The authors assert that school writing programs inhibit students through meaningless topic assignments and emphasis on the technical aspects of transcription rather than the really basic skill of composing. They describe a first-grade classroom ideal for writing instruction, where the teacher collaborates in children's writing, instead of teaching…