A study was conducted of nurse educators in Canada involved in distance education to determine their perceptions of the unique role of teachers in the distance education teaching/learning process. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were held with 21 nurse educators with a range of 4 to 28 years teaching experience and 2 to 16 years experience…

The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the application of a process approach for the teaching of algebra with a heterogeneous class of eighth-grade students. The assessment was conducted by identifying the processes used by above-average, average, and below-average algebra students in solving standard and nonstandard problems ranging…

This paper proposes that post-reform mathematics teaching may be characterized as "improvisational." Observations of an extended mathematical investigation from a summer institute for elementary teachers are used to examine four aspects of improvisational practice: (1) the structuring of the activity; (2) planning and preparing that is…

This research explored the degree to which group sizes can differ before the robustness of analysis of variance (ANOVA) and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) are jeopardized. Monte Carlo methodology was used, allowing for the experimental investigation of potential threats to robustness under conditions common to researchers in education. The…

Elements of arbitrariness in the standard setting process are explored, and an alternative to the use of cut scores is presented. The first part of the paper analyzes the use of cut scores in large-scale assessments, discussing three different functions: (1) cut scores define the qualifications used in assessments; (2) they simplify the reporting…

A faculty committee was commissioned at Ohio State University's College of Social Work to study that College's grading practices. In fulfilling this charge a survey of the faculty was conducted and the results presented along with a review of useful literature on grading and recommendations for change. The survey of faculty used a questionnaire…

Thinking skills instruction involves both the mastery of skills and the development of dispositions, habits of thought, and interpersonal behavior. Schools incorporate thinking skills programs into their programs to achieve two basic goals. The first goal is the development of autonomous thinkers. The liberal tradition in American education takes…

A working definition of critical thinking is needed to guide teachers to encourage their students to think critically and to coach them as they proceed. Constructing a working definition involves first identifying certain assumptions that, when taken collectively, may be incompatible with an effective definition of critical thinking. Among these…

A new paradigm for evaluating school restructuring that is based on the teacher-as-researcher concept, or action research, is presented in this paper. The first section compares the traditional and new evaluation paradigms. The old model is competitive, one-dimensional, reactive, and based on external change agents; it appeals to fear and views…

Four preschool children with developmental delays were taught to name the numerical value of sets of geometric figures, the corresponding numeral, the corresponding number word, and the corresponding Roman numeral. Half of the stimuli were taught with instructive feedback and the other half without, as two conditions were established: the future…

In response to stipulations in the 1991-1993 collective bargaining agreement between the Maine Technical College System and the Maine Teachers Association Faculty Unit, a committee was formed at Northern Maine Technical College (NMTC) to review and refine the faculty evaluation process. To assess faculty perceptions of the current evaluation…

This guide was developed by the Portland (Oregon) Public Schools to assist district administrators and teachers, grades 9-12, to comply with federal and state mandates to develop and implement a plan for alcohol and other drug prevention instruction. The guide is based on the district-adopted curriculum, "Here's Looking at You, 2000,"…

Realia and interdisciplinary approaches help foreign language teachers to provide an active teaching-learning situation for their students and to bring students into direct contact with cultural features of the language that they are studying. This paper reports on an interdisciplinary project conjoining French and art. Under the direction of both…

Atlantic Baptist College (New Brunswick, Canada) has adopted a faculty evaluation program based on the work of a committee of administrators and faculty representatives. The program was initiated out of the administration's desire to foster academic excellence and faculty development through a more systematic evaluation procedure. The committee…

This book offers step-by-step guidance on using needs assessment to design high-quality programs in continuing education. The book begins with a definition and description of needs assessment as part of the process of developing a continuing education program. The first of the book's 10 chapters describes the role of needs assessment in…