This is an intensive observational study of teacher behavior in six kindergartens in three schools. The schools were picked to be typical examples of a white middle class suburban school, an integrated lower class urban school, and a black lower class urban school. In all three schools teachers used the greatest proportion of class time (from 33…

The first paper presented at this conference on the evaluation and effective teaching of nursing students discusses the theoretical perspective on evaluation--that is, steps in writing and validating tests. A worksheet on multiple choice item types, with examples appropriate for nursing education, is included. The second paper discusses the…

Differences in levels of subject matter learning at the university level were explored to determine how a learning task is approached between those who are successful and those who are less successful. Students read a selected social science text, (Paul Samuelson's "Economics", for example), related the material learned, answered content…

This almanac is intended for parents who are considering home schooling or who are already home schooling and want to expand and obtain more resources, and for non-home-schooling parents who want educational resources to supplement their child's education at home. Part 1 of the almanac presents background information into what home schooling is…

Maintains that there is a lack of research on teaching styles and that teaching and learning styles are distinct topics and should be studied separately. Discusses research findings related to descriptive aspects of teaching styles. Presents a six-part model of teacher behaviors that comprise teaching style. (CFR)

Examines current theory and research about educating teachers concerning diversity, cultural pluralism, and equity. Explores how teacher educators attempt to transfer multicultural skills, beliefs, and knowledge in ways that help every child learn. Every teacher needs to incorporate cultural diversity to acknowledge the different needs and goals…

Whatever forms they take, colleges of the 21st century must incorporate the educational fundamentals that underlie traditional residential institutions. Key ingredients of these educationally powerful environments include clear purposes, maximization of human interaction, pedagogies for active learning, recognition of individual differences,…

The two articles in this newsletter issue focus on and discuss the multiple intelligences (MI) theory and its application in schools. Developed by Howard Gardner at Harvard University, the theory argues that individuals differ in their abilities, learning styles, and interests, and that these differences need to be acknowledged and nurtured in…

This paper examines a research paradigm that is particularly suited to experimentation-related computer-based instruction and integrated learning systems. The main assumption of the model is that one of the most powerful capabilities of computer-based instruction, and specifically of integrated learning systems, is the capacity to adapt…

This teacher's guide is intended to be used with "Genes and Surroundings," an activity unit on human and medical genetics for junior high and middle school students. The unit emphasizes variability and diversity in genetics and is organized around five themes: (1) individuality; (2) continuity; (3) variability in relation to others; (4)…

The views of biology department heads concerning the state of the art in program development were surveyed. A random sample of 132 biology department heads in state-supported colleges and universities responded to questions focusing on program development and curriculum aspects. The responses were compared to those of English, history, and…

Bloom has argued that most students, not just a few, should be able to do top quality school work if given appropriate instruction. Mastery learning, which includes frequent diagnostic testing followed by remedial instruction, has been proposed as an effective strategy for increasing pupil achievement. In this study, teachers used a mastery…

A careful reading of Cronbach and Snow's "Aptitudes and Instructional Methods" reveals that an aptitude-treatment-interaction (ATI) approach is not just a research methodology but is, in fact, a theory oriented philosophy of proposed revision in curriculum and instructional methodology. It is our contention that as a theoretical argument…

This study had the purpose of comparing the effects of two approaches in teaching mathematics to secondary special education students. The study attempted to answer the following questions: (1) Were there significant differences between group means of mathematics achievement test scores for students in a diagnostic-prescriptive mathematics program…

Reviews research on the relationship among young children, their developing skills, and art. Maintains that children's development, like art itself, grows out of the individual child artist and his or her place in life and culture. Presents examples of developmentally appropriate art activities and instruction. (CFR)