Describes the use of a biology guidebook which contains a course outline, syllabus, reading list, handouts, and sample tests all bound together in booklet form for better organization and teacher effectiveness. (RT)

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…

The negative effects of long-term ability grouping has been discussed often in educational literature, and recent research has identified several areas of concern, including a need for more variety in intra-class instructional grouping. Whole language educators are apparently so dissatisfied with the traditional, rigid three-group plan that they…

The booklet examines issues and strategies in serving learning disabled (LD) secondary students. Chapter 1, on program development, reviews such program options as varieties of the resource room model and self-contained class and examines three major factors involved in decisions about program emphases: (1) administrative practices, (2) teacher…

Different aspects of multi-level foreign language classes, where two or more levels of foreign language are taught within a single class period, are discussed. The proliferation of multi-level classes has been brought about by a variety of factors that present a difficult instructional assignment to the foreign language staff. The roles of the…

Describes a method of arranging group discussion of a novel in a high school English class that encourages each group member to participate. (AEA)

Provides a rationale for the workshop format in teaching technical writing. Discusses the benefits in areas such as motivation, audience awareness, and voice development and provides an outline for workshop sessions. Sessions include editing writing by others, writing a short paper, and group interaction. (HTH)

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 seminar is a useful teaching method as it divides the work of presenting and discussing material, giving students freedom under the guidance of the instructor. Length of student report and type of discussion are flexible according to class and subject. Two suggestions for improving seminars are made. (CHK)

In her previous books, "Literacy Work Stations and Practice with Purpose," Debbie Diller showed teachers how to productively occupy the "rest of the class" while meeting with small groups. Now Debbie turns her attention to the groups themselves and the teacher's role in small-group instruction. "Making the Most of Small Groups" grapples with…

The six editions of this newsletter provide a forum for the sharing of research findings and instructional strategies by faculty of Western Michigan University on issues connected with critical thinking. Topics addressed include alternative program designs for critical thinking instruction, a philosophical exploration of what critical thinking is,…

Classroom management techniques used by two teachers in an open classroom are described. The organization and arrangement of materials and activities and the establishment of rules of behavior are also discussed. (JP)

Twenty-eight third grade teachers were observed by a team from the Research and Development Center for Teacher Education at the University of Texas in order to identify discipline and teaching strategies most conducive to the establishment of a successful student-teacher relationship. This package is the result. Ideas and suggestions designed to…