This study examines how bilingual second-grade students perceived of their reading competence and of the work of reading in two contrasting settings where texts were regularly discussed: a monologically organized classroom (MOC) and a dialogically organized classroom (DOC; as determined by prior analysis of classroom discourse). Interview data…

The quality of classroom interactions has typically been studied using aggregates of ratings over time. However, within-day ratings may contain important variability. This study investigated within-day variability using the NICHD Study of Early Childcare and Youth Development's observational data during grades 3 and 5. The first question examined…

Background/Context: A common perspective found in the literature on classroom activity structures hypothesizes that a whole-class mode of instruction is linked with increased problems of achievement motivation for low-achieving students. If whole-class methods of instruction (e.g., recitation-style question-and-answer sessions) are rich in…

The paper investigated four Chinese graduate students' perceptions of the major differences between North American and Chinese classroom teaching styles. Major differences in the following five areas were identified: 1) the teacher's role, 2) the student's role, 3) the form of class organization, 4) the teacher's expectations, and 5) the student's…

Describes several ways to create a classroom environment conducive to reading, including designing reading bulletin boards, creating reading and writing centers, and establishing "discovery spots" to encourage young readers. (MM)

The influence on learning of classroom climate in Indian schools is discussed, with attention directed toward such factors as teacher-student relationships, discussion methods, teaching style, peer relationships, and general psychological atmosphere. (LBH)

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…

Ensuring healthy and happy classrooms requires being committed to students and acting in ways worthy of their respect; helping children improve their self-esteem; employing consistency, structure, and routine where appropriate; being clear and honest about expectations; offering students choices; allowing opportunities for all types of questions;…

This manual provides guidelines and activities for organizing and managing junior high school classes. The first five chapters are devoted to the topic of getting ready for the beginning of the school year; the last four chapters suggest guidelines and activities that are helpful in maintaining a management system. Chapter 1 deals with organizing…

Examines the theory of a causal relationship between classroom environments and junior high school students' attitudes towards the social studies, replicating the research methodology of a high school study. Environmental dimensions found to be related towards positive attitudes include teacher support, affiliation, innovation, and involvement,…

This ethnographic study investigated the process of rule-making in two public kindergarten classrooms in Korea. Two teachers and 38 children, ages 5 and 6 years old, participated. Analyses of observation field notes and videotapes showed teachers making weekly rules for classroom, activity centers, and special activities, using both whole-group…

This study found that, on average, signed messages sent by teachers and students in a school for the deaf were seen less than half the time by the deaf students; students frequently engaged in collateral conversations. Intervention strategies call for changes in teaching techniques, classroom layout, and the use of computer-communication…

This handbook is designed to help student teachers and beginning teachers handle the "surprises" they encounter on the job. The scenarios in the book identify critical incidents and potential situations teachers are likely to face and offer help in keeping teachers out of unpleasant situations or suggesting courses of action when they find…

Based on research on verbal behavior and the relationship between teachers' verbal responses and student achievement and success, this document discusses the role of teacher language in motivating students and provides examples of classroom techniques that aid learning. The first section reviews ways in which teachers' use of language can…

This study evaluated 90 junior high level public school teachers' interactive verbal behavior in response to three seating arrangements (row, herringbone, and u-shaped) across four dimensions: frequency of indirect teacher talk, frequency of direct teacher talk, frequency of student talk, and silence or confusion. Results indicate that: (1)…