At Iowa State University, the effects of a peer-coaching in-service model on teachers' use of a complex teaching technique were studied and the perceptions of 11 teachers and 2 principals were determined. Results demonstrate that the peer-coaching model shows promise for increasing teacher effectiveness. (SLD)

Makes an argument that teachers will unintentionally impart their values to students and that it is better for teachers to be open and honest and to serve as a model of values clarification. Examines reasons for discussing such issues as dissection, anthropocentricity, evolution, and scientist's gender. (LZ)

People will learn better if they like what they are learning. Computers offer an extensive library of cases, examples, and stories that are easy to access, fun to work through, and tell students what they want to know. One example is the ASK system, a 15-module, self-study, multimedia program that is fun for trainees to use, which should enhance…

The use of a portfolio as a source of information about a student's attitudes, level of development, and growth over time can be a collaborative effort between the child and teacher and can increase parents' awareness of their child's abilities and needs. Selecting materials for the portfolio and different ways to use the portfolio are discussed.…

Discusses techniques for teaching descriptive adjectives in second-language classrooms that rely on humor to help relieve the stress of learning situations. Specific examples of Spanish adjectives and humorous phrases are provided. (contains two references) (MDM)

Discusses the use of the Montessori method in Head Start programs, focusing on educational environment, teacher training, parent involvement, and funding. Outlines the phased implementation of a Montessori program and provides a list of Montessori publications and organizations. (MDM)

Describes the goals of bibliotherapy, treating emotional problems through the reading of books. Discusses applications of bibliotherapy with children, and provides activities to follow up readings. Provides annotations of several children's books recommended for bibliotherapy on a variety of topics, including attitudes and values, peers and…

Reports on a refresher training program that introduces experienced physics teachers to a reflective lesson-planning model and a more constructivist approach to physics teaching. Three instructional strategies developed by participants in the program and the corresponding suggestions made by their peers are presented and analyzed. (29 references)…

Stresses the importance of teaching physics concepts over having students work on word problems. (MVL)

Writing can be seen as a tool to be manipulated by students to access, construct, and evaluate knowledge. Many students will finish six years of high school science education quite ill-equipped for the literacy demands of college. This paper highlights a genre approach to language adopted by a literacy program. (20 references) (Author/MKR)

Hands-on experience lets students explore, discover, and think their way through science. The article explains why hands-on science works, presenting tools for getting started with few resources. Activities have students work with the environment in their backyards and the schoolyard. Resources for hands-on science are presented. (SM)

Psychometric properties of a laboratory paradigm for measuring stealing, property destruction, and cheating were explored, and the viability of the construct of covert antisocial behavior was studied in 98 children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and 78 comparisons. Psychometric and ethical issues in assessment of covert behavior are…