This study analyzes four gifted education models and six middle school models to identify specific areas of commonality and/or conflict. Common and compatible areas are identified. Results of the study offer very positive implications for appropriately meeting the needs of all students, including gifted children, within the middle school context.…

Observes literacy instruction in five first-grade classrooms. Finds classrooms headed by most-effective-for-locale teachers were characterized by excellent classroom management based on positive reinforcement and cooperation; balanced teaching of skills, literature, and writing; scaffolding and matching of task demands to student competence;…

Difficulty managing behavior in the classroom is frequently cited as a source of frustration for teachers and a common reason why new teachers leave the profession (Ingersoll 2001, 2003). Concerted attention to issues of classroom management is important to the health of education; attention to these issues at the middle and secondary education…

A teaching model for distance learning (DL) requires a system (a technology) and process (a way of linking resources) that makes distance learning no different than learning in the traditional classroom. The process must support a design that provides for learning, ensures maximum transfer, and is student-centered. The process must provide a…

Even though much has been written about cooperative learning in recent years, busy high school teachers contending with heavy curricular and teaching demands might not know much about the instructional method. Equipped with only a partial understanding of cooperative learning, some teachers may view it as a series of forced artificial constructs…

Recognizing each student's preferred learning style not only enhances the teaching and learning experience, but helps make the gymnasium a fun place to learn new skills and be physically active. This article addresses three objectives that form a pedagogical strategy with the potential to "get to know" the students in a more personal way. First,…

Over the last decade, researchers in physical education have turned to several theories to address student motivation and learning in physical education. Although several theories have been explored, Achievement Goal Theory has emerged as a prominent theory for effective interventions in fostering student motivation. The purpose of this feature…

Through reading and reflecting on the words of Atwell, Rief, Moffett, and Graves, Maltese began to think like a teacher-researcher, and questioned her writing workshop practices. Once she began to consider audience as a motivating factor, writing became more meaningful for her students, encompassing a wide range of possibilities. Working from a…

Less qualified urban teachers may contribute to the achievement gap between urban and nonurban students. A pilot study is conducted in an urban teacher education institution to examine teachers' beliefs in teaching, learning, and students. The objectives are to describe teachers beliefs' of the 28 pre-service and 26 in-service teachers in general…

In this paper we consider the extent to which learning objects that focus on higher level thinking might be seen as Type II applications, as defined by Maddux, Johnson, and Willis (2001). We conclude that learning objects are at best hybrid applications, with some Type I and some Type II characteristics. We also consider whether the educational…

In this study, the author applies B. K. Curry's (1992) model of organizational institutionalization to a case study involving efforts to implement course and teaching portfolios in a small business school. This article is based on the personal observations of those involved and the published literature on the subject. Both teaching and course…

Discusses an approach for teaching literature using a dynamic, holistic approach to the novel. Uses the "story mind" theory, which is built on the unifying quality of metaphor, and exposes students to analyses of character, overall story, and propelling elements on a variety of level. (Contains 10 references.) (CAK)

Delineates the use of unconventional methods in two novel courses, calling for pedagogy change in college classrooms. The instructor asked students to take on more responsibility and exercise decision-making power about the shape and content of the course. Student responses to this more inclusive pedagogy were mixed. (CAK)

Discusses an instructor's efforts to have students investigate the historical and cultural contexts in which novels are set. Requires students to use primary sources, such as newspapers, to see what ulight this information nsheds on their understanding of the novel they are reading. (CAK)

Proposes a new approach for teaching imaginative literature. Argues for a shifting of emphasis from critical afterthoughts to preparatory remarks for the purpose of strengthening students' initial responses to an assigned work. The type of preparation will depend on the work and the capabilities of the students. (CAK)