Used interviews and observations of teachers and students to examine how historical concepts and research strategies were taught and learned in two fourth grade classrooms. Found that teaching method differences were obvious but student differences in concept- and strategic-knowledge development were subtle. Both teachers were partially successful…

Examines people's typical queries about a child's performance, school success or failure, best learning practices, and ways to determine educational effectiveness. To provide useful information about student achievement, an accountability system must embody clear standards that have been communicated to students, parents, teachers and other…

One of a series of articles on principles of good practice in legal education, this article focuses on the importance of prompt feedback. Discusses some simple ways of providing students with feedback, choices in feedback (prompt or delayed, formative or summative, positive or negative), other sources of student feedback (self and peers), feedback…

Presents a set of seven faculty inventories intended to help faculty evaluate themselves in relation to seven identified principles of good practice including encouraging student-faculty contact, encouraging cooperation among students, encouraging active learning, giving prompt feedback, emphasizing time on task, communicating high expectations,…

Addresses issues in relation to educational theories focusing on traditionalism and progressivism as examples of two main theories and considers the relationship between educational theories and teaching methods. Believes that it is a mistake to intermingle the differences in educational theories with issues about teaching methods. (CMK)

Describes the use of puppet theater in an Alaskan elementary school focusing on the design and implementation of a play on the history of Alaska. Reports that the play's focus was on the change in architectural structures as a means to explore events that transformed Alaska. Provides recommendations for a similar project. (CMK)

Presents a planning model that serves as a guide for social studies teachers using block scheduling, but is appropriate for any time format. Explains that the model consists of four topics describing each in detail: (1) content selection; (2) instructional strategies; (3) assessment; and (4) higher-order thinking skills. (CMK)

Classifies the innovative strategic examination and transformation of the educational process in the schools of St. Petersburg (Russia): (1) methodological innovations that approach the design of educational systems; (2) institutional innovation that involves changes in educational institutions; (3) content processes that foster a high-quality…

Uses focus group data (groups of 7, 12, 8, and 5) to examine how cross-subject matter groups of elementary and secondary New York state teachers respond to state-level testing as a way to change their classroom practices. The analyses highlight the nature of the tests, professional development for teachers, and the rationales for and consequences…

Recounts the landmark case of Pierce v. Society of Sisters. Reminds readers that parental choice of an appropriate education for their children is a constitutional right and liberty under law and must be sustained. Asserts that true choice will occur only when consensus on public funding issues of school choice (including private and Catholic…

Argues that teachers' narrative performances compel audiences to endorse rather than investigate the identity that the narrator offers. Warns against using narratives as a means to fulfilling personal identity projects. Suggests that analyzing teachers' stories might provide another perspective on the contribution that teachers' narratives make to…

Analyzes the educational practices that contribute to the success of a model inclusion program at the Connolly Elementary School focusing on the school culture. Identifies three components of the Connolly school culture that contributed to the success of inclusion. Suggests that a school's culture should be understood when implementing inclusion.…

A first-grade teacher explains how she uses the whole-part-whole reading model with 15 youngsters. Rereading allows students to practice recently learned skills and strategies, while developing fluency and comprehension. Other exercises include reading aloud in pairs, deciphering the daily schedule, discussions of syllable and sound similarities,…

Publishes the academic papers first presented at Dalhousie University in October 1986 at the fourth biennial conference of the Canadian History of Education Association. Argues that this eclectic collection of conference papers does not bode well for an integrated book because the concerns of educational history and contemporary policymaking are…

Describes the educational needs, experiences, and performances of Jewish and Arab primary and secondary school students in Israel's two separate and parallel educational systems. Emphasis is placed on emerging trends in the educational treatment of immigrant children and shifts in educational policy and practices in the Arab sector. (SLD)