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…

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)

Following a review of research findings on the relationship between teacher behavior and student achievement, current activities in teacher effectiveness research are discussed. Two major trends emerge in recent research studies. Existing correlational findings on the topic are being integrated and applied to contexts beyond basic skills…

The efficacy of transition-based teaching trials with a constant time delay procedure and instructive feedback was investigated with preschool students with hearing impairments. Results indicated that constant time delay delivered during transition was effective in acquisition of preacademic skills; all students generalized some shape names; and…

A laboratory approach to instruction is employed in the basic speech communication course at a southern university. Approximately one-third of the semester is spent on public speaking and performance assignments, while the remainder of the course focuses on interpersonal communication. During the oral performance part of the course, half of the…

Techniques and suggestions for establishing a junior high level individualized reading program stress efficiency, economy, and development of teacher and student morale. Over 20 tips, presented in alphabetical order, are illustrated. Examples of ideas discussed are: an answer key book, a book exchange, instruction notebooks and signs, evaluation…

Methods for teaching physical education activities and skills to mentally retarded children are presented. General objectives are listed and the physical education program is outlined. Hints are offered for teaching the retarded child; and basic skills and rhythms are described. The following are then described; rhythm games, a volleyball unit and…