A survey was conducted to identify how the Open University (OU) materials and strategies influence teaching staff in conventional institutions. Of the 59 responders, 14 were Open University tutors. OU textual materials were used by half; nonbook materials, mostly by OU part-time tutors, as were OU subject ideas and teaching strategies. (AF)

This study investigated the factor structure of Tuckman's Student Perception of Teacher Style scale, designed to measure teachers' directiveness. Grade 10 students rated their male and female mathematics and English teachers. Factor analyses failed to confirm Tuckman's factor structure. Variations by sex and subject matter were noted. (Author/SJL)

Implications from research on teaching in the elementary grades indicate that teachers do make a difference in student learning, that a variety of teaching behaviors is needed for different teaching situations, and that behavior patterns, rather than isolated skills, should be defined for competency-based teacher education and teacher evaluation.…

The extent to which the student's perception of the purpose for evaluating an instructor, the instructor's expressiveness, and the density of content influences student ratings and achievement was investigated. Perceived purpose for evaluating the instructor had no effect on ratings. Scores were significantly higher for expressive than for…

Ten faculty from different disciplines at George Washington University (D.C.) documented their teaching behaviors and ideas in an interactive multimedia format that focused on general philosophy/vision of teaching; characteristics of excellent teachers; teaching strategies/techniques employed; motivating students; assessing teaching effectiveness;…

Presents techniques for improving instructional delivery, including encouraging active learning; having empathy for students; mixing theory and practice; and increasing students' motivation. Discusses a Web-based case study on expert systems management and features in the "Information Warfare" multimedia aid. (AEF)

Describes three episodes in Sendai, Japan: (1) reasoning with number patterns (grade one); (2) engaging in logical analysis (grade five); and (3) a reason to reason (grade five). Observation of these episodes reinforces importance of the teacher's patience in guiding the lesson and encouraging several alternative solutions from students. Lessons…

A study examining why some Swedish teachers use outdoor education interviewed 10 female primary school teachers. The teachers used outdoor education to know their pupils better and achieve a more relaxed teacher role. They had the curiosity and courage to create different learning environments and did not feel they needed to be experts on nature…

Describes the use of a unit on immigration implemented at two high schools in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to help students from different backgrounds relate to one another. Explains the authentic assessment task in which students charted data about the immigration of their families and analyzed the data for trends. (CMK)

Examines whether traditionally negative student attitudes toward social studies can be improved by particular teaching practices. Finds that teaching style seemed the crucial factor in the ability of an observed teacher to improve sixth grade student attitudes toward social studies. Includes two tables of research data. (DB)

Presents a case study of pedagogical behavior and understanding using a sequence-analytical interpretative method. Reports a contradiction between semantic content and the actual interactive significance during pedagogical action. Hypothesizes that a professionalization deficit must be dealt with, taking into account the moral and personal efforts…

Presents the theoretical framework for examining texts in educational contexts. An actual reading lesson is analyzed in terms of the text structure and content, the nature of student-teacher interaction with the text, and post-reading discussion of the text. Tables outline the text structure and contrast teacher manual recommendations to actual…

Assesses the functional equivalence of two techniques for compliance-gaining research in the classroom: the constructionist approach and the strategy checklist technique. Describes a system for coding teachers' message constructions. Argues that the techniques are functionally equivalent. (MS)

Looks at academic burnout from the perspective of the transplanted humanist teaching business communication. Describes disparities of fit between the quantitative methods of a business school and the qualitative approach of a humanist. (SR)

Examines the similarities and differences in beliefs about the effective teaching of mathematics held by teachers from two different sociocultural backgrounds. Data were collected using a part of the Teacher General Classroom Process Questionnaire of the second IEA Mathematics Study. (Author)