Students' conceptions of models and how models function in science were assessed by administering a clinical interview about models to a group of mixed-ability seventh and honors eleventh grade students. Students' preconceptions about models, themes that appeared regularly during interviews, differences of themes between the two groups, and the…

Composite profiles of textbook-centered teachers (n=3) and multiple-centered teachers (n=3) and their classroom environments were constructed using data collected during classroom observations. The nature of teachers' textbook use and the relationship between factors indicative of the biology education "desired state" or "actual…

An experienced teacher educator relates her experience of observing secondary classrooms for mildly handicapped students in five Atlanta school systems; describes the ineffective practices, negative learning environments, and poor student attitudes she observed; and discusses the need for holistic learning and student self-determination in special…

Describes a study of effects of socio-cognitive mediation among children. Reports manipulation of two factors: ego-boosting representation of the subject's ability to perform a task, and representation the children had of others. Concludes that performance was superior when children worked in dyads, dyad composition affects interaction modes, and…

Four elementary teachers describe how they support an interdisciplinary curriculum using integrated units. One builds tall towers of spaghetti. Another touches on all subjects using baseball card games. The third turns the playground into an archeological dig. The last sails the ocean along with the Pilgrims. (SM)

Presents a qualitative study of an Amish elementary school where classroom management and teaching methods prepare children to cope with their everyday lifestyle. Religious values are reinforced with reading lessons and Bible study. The article concludes with a brief description of Amish culture and lifestyle. (SM)

Four key entities participating in foreign assistance projects are (1) donors; (2) technical advisors; (3) host country counterparts; and (4) beneficiaries. Resistance to collaborative evaluation that each may exhibit is discussed, along with ways evaluators can overcome resistance and enhance evaluation outcomes, credibility, and utilization.…

Provides a test for counselors to determine their current level of knowledge concerning suicide. Also provides methods of determining the potential suicide risks for persons as well as strategies for suicide intervention. Intended for counselors who deal with suicidal behavior on an occasional basis. (Author)

Reports on a survey of how women in broadcasting careers view themselves and the industry, their perceptions of formal education as preparation for their careers, and differences between those with a constructivist position and nonconstructivists. Suggests guidelines for teachers of women in communications to enable women to position themselves…

Describes a teacher's efforts to introduce her students to modern poetry and to teach them that the value of poetry is not merely aesthetic but can actually be a voice of rare clarity. Asserts that what rubs off on students is a sense of richness of language--an ear and an eye for a rooted expression. (PRA)

Investigates the influence that instruction and the developmental stage of learning to read have on the reading concepts of first graders from skill-based and literature-based classrooms. Finds both groups exhibited high interest in learning and knowing words but that the literature group differed in their heightened metacognitive understandings,…

Presents ideas to help elementary school educators teach their students about magnetic force fields by observing how iron filings line up around magnets. The article lists materials needed and offers a student page with suggested student activities. (SM)

A culture-specific approach to identifying artistic talent in African-American students is presented, called Tactuality. Tactuality identifies four characteristics: emotional intensity, flexibility and open-endedness, holistic perception, and tactile sensitivity. A pilot test with 63 fourth graders resulted in statistical problems with validation.…

This article offers suggestions for use of videocassettes in special education classrooms in ways which enhance reading and writing skills. Stressed is actively involving students through such strategies as use of graphic organizers, notetaking, and questions. Sources of videocassettes are identified. (DB)

Comparison of special education teacher (n=18) and computer-scored curriculum-based measurements (CBM) of spelling found that computer scoring accuracy was significantly higher and more stable. Additionally, high correlations were found between the CBM spelling scores and a standardized test of spelling achievement. (DB)