A good mathematics instructor is a proficient organizer of pupils for instruction in mathematics. There are many specifics involved in organizing for instruction. This paper discusses organizational structures in mathematics instruction such as learning stations. "A Geometry Center" is provided as an example of a learning station. The organization…

In this article, the author discusses the technologies of power in classroom organization practices that occur on two levels: (1) locally, in a study of open-concept, learner-centered classrooms; and (2) discursively, in a commentary on the value of a Foucauldian analysis of power for educators. Foucault's analysis of what the author calls…

Suggests some ways that art teachers can organize their classrooms and adapt their teaching methods in order to accommodate mainstreamed handicapped students. This article is part of a theme issue on art education for special needs students. (SJL)

From his own teaching experience, the author presents his views on the essentials of effective writing instruction: diagnostic testing, student grouping, meaningful assignments, and the teacher as model. He also presents some of his techniques for teaching observational skills, exactness, and logical sequence. (SJL)

The author discusses the utilization of small group teaching strategies which offer a unique opportunity to sensitize students to group skills. He believes that small groups provide an environment where the maximum number of students can learn through practice. (Author/KC)

A teacher gives insight into the benefits of teaching a combination class. Students of different levels learn to think of themselves as multilevel people, sometimes helping their peers, other times receiving help. Suggestions for planning for two different levels are offered. (DF)

Asks whether the common practice that has been termed "Circle Time" and its variations are a useful classroom practice. Analyzes the ways teachers employ circle time. Critiques the practice of circle time. Argues that the quality of learning is dependent on the quality of reflection by teachers concerning their practice, not on gimmicks.…

Teachers, principals, and supervisors must become very knowledgeable and conversant about different approaches utilized in organizing the language arts curriculum. Thus, the separate subjects approach, the correlated approach, the fused curriculum, and the integrated curriculum represent diverse ways of organizing each of the curriculum areas in…

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…

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…

A new definition of teaching must replace traditional modes of instruction. Intellectual growth is best encouraged by assisting, rather than assessing, student performance. Classrooms must be settings which maximize opportunities for participation and conversation. Definitions and practical applications are given for Vygotsky's term "zone of…

The concept of open or progressive education has come to mean that to learn one needs no discipline, no systematic organization, no planning. However, there is a middle, or at least another ground, between the ends of laissez faire and authoritarianism. It has to do with the structure of process. For example, the Key Vocabulary of Sylvia…

Summarizes in an interview Sidney Hook's personal experiences as a student and teacher in the New York City school system before the era of progressive education. Reflects on the contributions and failings of progressive education. (PS)

A student teacher describes his experiment to foster experiential learning in a secondary sociology class by allowing the students to determine their own classroom society and teaching and evaluation methods. He also describes the unfavorable reaction of his cooperating teacher. (NEC)

Uses a diary format to describe the author's development as a teacher between May 1982 and Spring 1993, focusing on personal experiences affecting her delivery of composition and literature courses. Describes the author's shift from a text-centered to a student-centered curriculum and efforts to include women writers in the curriculum. Includes…