Case studies have emerged as a viable tool for exposing novice teachers to mundane and unique situations that might be encountered in the classroom. This paper discusses the utilization of video taped case studies as a valid method for assessing the reactions and perceptions of preservice teachers to an introductory field observation course.…

This study examined the efficacy of Techniques of Responsive Intervention to Validate Effective Teaching (TRIVET) as a model for training administrators and teachers to provide instructional leadership through effective classroom appraisal. The study dealt with the first of a multi-step process to have principals and teachers impact what happens…

This collection of four papers focuses on the Lancaster and Sussex Projects (England) that place an emphasis on writing outside of school and outside of work by "ordinary" people in their everyday lives. The papers refer to each other; the first is an introduction for the others. "Introduction: Making Writing Visible on the…

The framework and results of a study exploring the effects of alternative assessment on mathematics teaching are reported. The instrument for the observation of alternative assessment in the classroom, based on the processes defined by P. L. Peterson (1988), is described along with a discussion of the methodology and the data implications.…

The goal of this study was to take a first step in evaluating the potential of virtual reality (VR) as a learning environment. The context of the study was The Technology Academy, a technology-oriented summer day camp for students ages 5-18, where student activities center around hands-on exploration of new technology (e.g., robotics, MIDI digital…

This facilitator's guide, and the videotape it accompanies, is designed to demonstrate ways in which the new visions of science education for the 21st century might be translated into classroom practice. The National Research Council's (NRC) National Science Education Standards, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Benchmarks…

The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in Texas Teacher Appraisal System (TTAS) scores when considering the scores of the first four individual domains (Instructional Strategies, Management and Organization, Presentation of Subject Matter, and Learning Environment), the sum of the scores of Domains I through IV, and the overall…

The study reported here was conducted to improve student teachers' skills in asking questions capable of eliciting learner responses on a higher cognitive level. Participants, senior student teachers, were chosen randomly for video evaluations of their question asking strategies. Following video recording of lessons, the student teachers performed…

This study was conducted by the teacher education program, University of Saskatchewan, to determine the effectiveness of practicum supervisory practices by cooperating teachers. Student teachers (N=126) were surveyed with respect to 31 present and ideal clinical supervision behaviors before and after a 4-month internship. Training and experience…

This annual journal presents the latest thinking and research on important issues of faculty, instructional, and organizational development in postsecondary education. Essays in this issue and their authors are as follows: "Faculty Development and the New American Scholar" (William B. Bondeson); "Improving Higher Education: Issues…

Many students are not actively engaged in learning in mathematics classrooms. The purpose of this study was to develop understandings about student engagement with the mathematics curriculum and its influence on student engagement. The research was conducted in two seventh-grade classes taught by the same teacher, who used direct instruction. The…

A qualitative study of an intensive week-long adult-training course taught with integrated hypermedia was conducted to document course implementation and to formulate questions and hypotheses about aspects of learning with hypermedia to guide future researchers. The hypermedia training was that of the Cities in Schools (CIS) Program Operations…

A set of self-evaluation procedures using videotape was developed to provide teachers with a means for observing their teaching and then reflecting on what occurred. The self-evaluation model consists of two components: (1) a transition observation instrument (TOI) which was designed based on classroom management variables known to influence…

This study investigated autonomous local home schooling parent support groups in Kansas. The home schooling movement in Kansas is an alternative educational entity whose membership has recently been increasing. Accompanying support groups have also increased in number. The purpose of this study was to conduct a naturalistic inquiry into the…

The validation of a classroom observation instrument to be used in evaluating teacher interns under the Kentucky Teacher Intern Program is described. The validation project began in 1988. Fourteen educators from state universities comprised a jury that judged the initial version of the instrument and compared it with the instrument previously…