This book uniquely combines data from a study focused on the use of dialogic instruction in an elementary classroom, with analysis of students' retrospective beliefs about the classroom environment, interactions, and authority. Through this retrospective methodology, the text offers valuable insight into the long-term impacts of discursive…

This paper explores the possibility of achieving democratic communities that are rational and caring, that make room for personal, unique voices, as well as a consensus of voices, that accord respect and equality, in essence, allow for diversity and celebrate differences. After laying the theoretical groundwork, the study examined this question…

This paper focuses on two components of a model for online teaching and learning--"teaching presence" and "community". It is suggested that previous research points to the critical role that community plays in academic success and persistence in higher education. Through a review of recent literature it is proposed that teaching presence--viewed…

This report describes a collaborative effort between a research assistant and a fourth-grade teacher to develop a classroom community for teaching and learning mathematics which fosters problem solving, reasoning, intellectual risk taking, appreciation of diversity, trust, and shared ownership. The characteristics are consistent with suggested…

Suggestions are made in this book for making significant improvements in the schools. Based on "A Study of Schooling," an extensive on-the-scene investigation of classrooms across the country, the suggestions for significant improvement begin with the premise that the schools must be redesigned piece by piece. All aspects of schooling…

Summarizes reviews of research reports on classroom practice in the "Handbook of Research on Social Studies Teaching and Learning." Examines textbooks, instructional grouping, teaching methods, and computer-assisted instruction (especially games and simulations), and civic education through student participation in community programs.…

A study examined the characteristics of effective secondary vocational education programs for a variety of special needs populations (disabled, disadvantaged, and limited English proficient individuals; single parents; and persons enrolled in programs to eliminate sex bias and sex stereotyping). The following eight states were studied: California,…