This study of students and teachers in 40 secondary classrooms in a large, southwestern high school investigated the relation of classroom climate to on-task behavior of students. Multiple regression and stepwise analyses indicated that social climate variables--including teacher support/control, rule clarity, and innovation--are significantly…

Examines key issues facing administrators at Athabasca University and discusses their implications for distance education organizations. Topics discussed include strategic planning; accountability and cost effectiveness; consortia and cooperation; instructional design; managing technological innovation; marketing; quality assurance; and…

Discusses the use of computers in the classroom, suggests visions of an educational future, and describes a project developed at the University of Maryland to examine the effects of computers on the college-level physics curriculum. Topics discussed include microcomputer-based laboratories, increased modeling power, and access to large databases.…

Discusses the use of oral history to enliven, enhance, and supplement the standard social studies curriculum. Presents rationales for using oral histories, methods for classroom use, and suggestions for locating interviewees. Includes an annotated list of oral histories that address social issues. (GEA)

Describes one successful secondary science model involving a child-centered plan of instruction that uses several nontest evaluation and documentation strategies to verify mastery of essential elements. (MS)

Presents edited transcript of a conference that examined how computer technology can be effective in helping at-risk students. Highlights include defining at-risk students; examples of how technologies are being used as intervention tools; adult education programs; software; how the industry can help educators; and policy recommendations. (LRW)

Responds to the California Framework for History-Social Science Education's call for an integrated approach to education by demonstrating how literature may be used with secondary students to provide insights into understanding historical events and people. (LS)

Describes a method for helping autonomous groups work effectively on problem solving without a facilitator. Application in a British part-time course for tutors working with adult learners is described; group dynamics are discussed; evaluation methods are explained; and detailed instructions for using this method are provided in the appendixes.…

Discusses the use of videodiscs in education and highlights four main areas of application: (1) direct instruction, or programed lessons; (2) instructional support, including teacher designed lessons and the use of visual aids; (3) independent research, which students may use in conjunction with traditional reference materials in the library; and…

Describes the first two years of an innovative telephone-assisted language program at Ohio State University. Administration and structure of this individualized instructional program are detailed. Student body profiles, including age, occupation, reason for enrollment, and tables of student performance according to language, number of units…

Examines the characteristics of three successful urban-high-school literacy teachers. Results from interviews, literature reviews, and classroom observation reveal the following key characteristics: (1) an ability to engage students in innovative and meaningful literacy practices; (2) a high level of commitment; and (3) the perception of support…

Describes an innovative and collaborative approach to helping teacher educators better prepare preservice teachers to utilize technology for effective instruction. A mentoring program that paired graduate students in instructional technology with interested faculty members is discussed, and attitudes of the mentors and the faculty members are…

Presents observations about the influence of mathematics textbooks and suggests ways to use textbooks to advantage while reordering the sequence and emphasis of topics to allow time for alternative activities. The fifth-grade mathematics curriculum is examined as an example. (MKR)

Describes the Iowa Communications Network, a statewide fiber optic network capable of transporting interactive, two-way audio, video, voice, and data signals. Topics include statewide cooperation among educational and state organizations; classroom design, including interactive classrooms; access to the Internet; and use by noneducational…

Maintains that in an era of budget cuts and shortened music classes, music educators must be efficient with their use of time. Discusses the use of synthesizers and multimedia equipment. Includes a feature outlining ways to obtain equipment, copyright issues, and two teacher resources. (CFR)