A discussion of whether learning should be structured or open-ended. (HB)

Advice, activities, and techniques for getting the first days and weeks of school off to a smooth start are offered in this compilation of six articles taken from issues of "Instructor" (Aug.-Sep. 1976, Aug. 1980, Aug. 1982, Aug. 1983), "Learning" (Sept. 1982), and "Teacher" (Sept. 1979), magazines. Suggestions for…

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)

Reviews arguments for and against mainstreaming and presents strategies for using newspapers in elementary school mainstreamed social studies classrooms. Gives examples of newspaper learning activities related to community affairs, social competencies, safety, and prevocational skills. (DB)

Teachers should consider using strategy games to introduce students to problem solving in an enjoyable way. Advantages of games, criteria, games and variations to use, and classroom organization are each discussed. (MNS)

This paper includes a discussion of the problem of multilevel Latin classes, a description of various techniques and perspectives the teacher might use in dealing with these classes, and copies of materials and exercises that have proved useful in multilevel classes. Because the reasons for the existence of such classes are varied, it is suggested…

Intended as a resource for administrators, teachers, parents, and those responsible for curriculum development, this guide identifies the elements of a kindergarten program which provides a productive learning experience for 5-year-old children. Four main elements are highlighted as prerequisites for an effective kindergarten program. First, the…

Examines how teachers allocate instructional time in reading classes. Indicates that teachers used 34% of time in reading and responding; 24.89% in listening and discussing; 8.36% waiting; 20.28% completing skill development; 7.52% in telling, writing, and narrating; 3.47% in other activities. Notes that the recommendation that time spent reading…

The language experience approach (LEA) has been used successfully with students who are beginning to read in English as a second language. In an LEA lesson the teacher can elicit students' comments on a wordless picture book, transcribe students' sentences, read the resultant story aloud (or have the class read it), and have the story copied.…

Presents the Two-Level Cooperative Group Learning Model, a small-group instruction technique, developed at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, and based on the Jigsaw II approach. Outlines a sample unit, showing how student expert groups teach their home teams. Demonstrates the technique's benefits: greater student motivation and interaction,…

Designed for elementary school teachers, the document presents a compilation of sample dittos, models, checklists, and creative ideas for implementing learning centers in the elementary school classroom. Separate sections provide the following: (1) a description of the purpose and types of learning centers, (2) a beginning classroom management…

This book reports on a three-part qualitative research study examining multiage classrooms from different perspectives. Part 1 of the book describes the activities of a K-3 multiage classroom, based on 40 days of observation and participation. The four chapters in this part offer a description of a typical day in the observed classroom; a brief…

Considerable research has been done relating measures of teacher personality or attitudes to classroom behaviors, pupil achievement, and pupil attitudes. The major purpose of these studies has been to identify patterns of classroom behaviors, attitudes, concerns, and conceptual processes which characterize teachers. Fifty-one junior high teachers…

The findings of eight reviews of process-product studies are synthesized. Results are organized under the main headings of time, instructional organization, monitoring, management, instruction, and environment. The paper begins with a brief history of research on teacher effectiveness, a description of the process-product paradigm, and a…

Techniques and activities for effective classroom management are presented in this module. The stated objectives of the module are to promote appropriate student behavior, to develop good interpersonal relationships and a positive socioemotional climate, and to establish and maintain a productive classroom organization. Samples of pre-post…