Describes a study that involved a search for a model for the teaching of musical composition to students with some prior experience. Recounts in detail the way students approached the task of composing music, and the compositions they produced. Offers several recommendations for reforming composition instruction. (MJP)

Describes two elementary teachers' efforts to adapt and implement cooperative learning strategies to meet urban second graders' educational needs. The teachers divided students into groups and created jobs and a system of accountability. Students viewed videotapes of their group activities and evaluated themselves. (SM)

Discusses issues related to dress codes, student behavior, and youth gangs. Presents a role-playing activity based on a proposed dress code aimed at gang-related clothing in a secondary school. Includes two student handouts and step-by-step instructional procedures. (CFR)

Researchers investigated the use of a one-way mechanical third ear communication device that allows prompting by the student teachers' supervisors during teaching. Results showed that some student teachers can and do effect immediate change in teaching behavior during the teaching process while receiving prompts via the device. (SM)

This paper cites observational and interview evidence indicating that language immersion students in the United States and Canada increasingly avoid using their second language in peer interactions as they move into higher primary grade levels. Implications for immersion programs and teachers are discussed. (32 references) (MDM)

The construct of performance expectations provides a way to organize knowledge about classroom instruction and learning. Areas of expectations that merit research include teacher knowledge of subject, teacher decisions about curriculum content and time allocation, classroom management, changes in expectations between teachers, task variables, and…

Traditional methods of teaching addition include algorithms that involve right-to-left procedures. This article describes efficient procedures for left-to-right addition and subtraction involving computation and computational estimation that reflect children's natural behaviors observed during activities with unifix cubes. (MDH)

This study evaluated the impact of a school-based nutrition teaching program on students' knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. Modest use of the program "Nutrition for Life" related to modest attitude, behavior, and knowledge differences. Interactions among teacher assignment, nutrition teaching, and program use explained variations in…

The social context of school reform efforts is examined. It is argued that the intended modern school curriculum, designed to produce self-motivated, active learners, is undermined by classroom policies that emphasize simple obedience. Alignment of curriculum and a revised management scheme that serves as an instructional scaffold are recommended.…

Contends that educators, researchers, and parents spend considerable time and resources deciding which lessons to teach children to help them maximize their abilities. Describes seven lessons to help children develop self-confidence, ask good questions, take intellectual risks, and attempt responsibility for themselves. (CFR)

This study used qualitative and quantitative methods to examine the effects on students' learning, motivation, attitude, participation, and critical thinking when prediction activities were used in teaching genetic concepts in high school biology. The prediction activities enhanced students' critical analysis, interest, and participation.…

Contends that teachers have an obligation to select classroom management strategies that help students develop skills for responsible citizenship. Asserts that involving students in participative decision making is essential to this process. Provides four guidelines and 17 subguidelines derived from classroom management research. (CFR)

Outlines a student research study in animal behavior to help develop students' empirical skills. The study examines the differences between male and female students in the way that they carry their school books. Reports results of one study indicating no significant difference in bookcarrying habits of men and women. (MDH)

Describes an instructional activity in which students are given false data in a research methods class. Finds that all students accepted the data but that seniors were more skeptical than sophomores or juniors. Determines that students agree that the approach helped them learn about the costs and benefits of deception in research. (CFR)

Presents case studies of four college students applying new study strategies, taught and demonstrated in class during one semester, to improve reading and learning. Finds that students need to see a correlation between a study strategy and their final grade before they will utilize deep-level study strategies in place of surface-level strategies.…