Cooperative group activities in classrooms provide an opportunity for children to learn and demonstrate relationship skills, particularly when clear expectations and explicit instruction are provided. Relationship skills are one of the five competency areas of social and emotional learning. This article provides directions and illustrations for…

The study investigates the effects of the Argumentation-Based Inquiry (ABI) approach in dual-language (DL) courses on oral presentation (OP) skills and willingness-to-communicate (WTC) among EFL high school students. Using a mixed-methods research approach with an embedded design model, the study emphasizes the quantitative approach (QUAN) for an…

Several instruments have been developed to gauge student perceptions of their classroom environment as greater attention has been given to the relationship between student achievement and student perceptions. One widely used instrument to assess those perceptions is the Classroom Environment Scale (CES), a 90-item measure for secondary level…

The Classroom Environment Scale is used to evaluate the classroom learning climate, to determine areas of desired change, and to evaluate the effectiveness of planned changes resulting from the exercise. A case study demonstrates the process. (Author/RM)

Replicates a 1989 study on the instructional effectiveness of social studies teachers who also are athletic coaches. Results indicate that coaching teachers are more innovative in teaching methods than noncoaching teachers. Calls for additional replication studies on this issue. (CFR)

Discusses the use of three teaching models in an Indianapolis high school: concept attainment, Taba (inductive thinking), and synectics. Describes each model, its use in the classroom, and the effect on the classroom climate. (MS)

Reports on a study of the classroom environment and student attitudes in 38 secondary Chinese classrooms. Finds that, despite considerable cultural and political differences, the classroom environment in social studies is remarkably similar to that in the United States. Concludes that diverse activities and active student involvement are related…

Examines influence of classroom environments, measured by the Classroom Environment Scale, Form R (CESR), on vocal and instrumental ensembles' musical achievement at festival contests. Using random sample, reveals subjects with higher scores on CESR scales of involvement, affiliation, teacher support, and organization received better contest…