The concept of open or progressive education has come to mean that to learn one needs no discipline, no systematic organization, no planning. However, there is a middle, or at least another ground, between the ends of laissez faire and authoritarianism. It has to do with the structure of process. For example, the Key Vocabulary of Sylvia…

The state of the art of exemplary teaching in exceptional child education programs is spelled out in this report, which was generated from observations of such practices, particularly in classrooms in Jefferson County (Kentucky) Public Schools, and referenced against various professional standards. The best practice standards described focus on…

This synthesis offers a descriptive inventory of research studies of cooperative learning at the secondary level. While cooperative learning techniques vary, they all share an interest in finding an alternative to "frontal teaching"--the teacher instructing the whole class or individual seatwork by students. Cooperative methods allow…

Described is a method of teaching mathematics to mixed ability classes. The presentation of topics, the organization within the classroom and the difficulties met by teachers are discussed. The problems of homework and assessment are also considered. The teacher's role is compared with that in a streamed situation. (JP)

CLASSES WERE DIVIDED EXPERIMENTALLY INTO FIVE OR SIX SMALL GROUPS. EACH GROUP WORKED TOGETHER FOR A PERIOD OF 1 MONTH. EACH OF THE EIGHT PARTICIPATING TEACHERS SELECTED ONE TO SIX PUPILS IN HIS CLASS WHO WERE EITHER DISRUPTIVE OR WITHDRAWN. THESE CHILDREN WERE CALLED THE TARGET PUPILS. THREE TIMES EVERY MONTH THE TEACHER RECORDED THE INTERACTION…

The purpose of the study reported was to determine the best ways to manage interest centers in the elementary classroom. The study considered six techniques of assigning students to interest centers--teacher assignment, in which children were asked by their teacher to work at the center on a certain day; daily sign-up, in which children were…

This teaching guide emphasizes a practical approach to the individualization of reading instruction in elementary classrooms and offers suggestions for implementing diagnostic reading instruction. Diagnostic reading instruction requires that reading lessons and independent activities be planned from an analysis of students' strengths and…

This two-phase study identifies the techniques used by teachers in their classrooms to arouse and maintain the attention and interest of their students (student engagement). During the first phase (reported in another document), 24 third- and fourth-grade teachers and their students in nine elementary schools in low-income communities were the…

The author discusses major issues related to the teaching of elementary school mathematics and draws upon research results for his analysis. The elementary school mathematics curriculum is discussed in terms of selection of content, educational objectives and content arrangement. Within the realm of mathematics learning, discovery learning, the…

Written for the new teacher and for the experienced teacher wishing to engage in a new form of organizing, integrating, and opening up the classroom, this book details the structure behind the scenes of the "open classroom." The first two chapters consider the need for organization and the organization of the classroom. A third chapter discusses…

Presented is a study to determine the relationship between personality and student responsiveness to a particular learning technique. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator was used to indicate student personality; the seminar approach with varying degrees of structure and leadership was the basic classroom technique. (JMD)

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)

Provides a description of a classroom procedure incorporating small group work to help students develop critical thinking skills. (DF)

This guide for primary school teachers presents commonly asked questions and answers. Chapter 1, "How Do I Set Up My Classroom?" discusses desk and furniture arrangement. Chapter 2, "How Do I Survive the First Days of School?" offers tips for meeting and greeting students, establishing routines, and presenting activities.…