Describes a formative and reciprocal partnership that can help librarians with similar experience and knowledge develop their instructional skills through peer coaching. A literature review; program guidelines; choosing partners; the process of classroom observation; and the provision of descriptive, nonevaluative feedback are covered. (23…

A study involving 11 teachers and 375 students was conducted to examine teacher behavior in biology classes/laboratories in Nigeria. Objective and detailed quantitative description of teacher behavior was made possible by systematic observation using the category system presented. The predominant feature in the classroom was talk by the teacher.…

In a study of 29 aspiring administrators from the University of Colorado preparation program, only 10 percent demonstrated adequate instructional conferencing abilities. Identified problems included underanalysis, poorly focused strategizing, lack of reflective discussion, and failure to pursue the conference objective. Recommendations and…

Describes strategies used in a demonstration project monitoring teachers' use of Manually Coded English, American Sign Language, and pidgin signing in communicating with deaf students. Factors considered to influence teacher behavior included student characteristics, teacher training and certification, and support systems. (Author/CB)

Describes and discusses the use of action research, research carried out by teachers. Highlights the aims and means of action research, how to prepare teachers to collect and interpret classroom data, and procedures for conducting action research, including initial reflection, planning, action, observation, and reflection. (Author/VWL)

This article describes the impetus and rationale for the development of the Sign Language Skills Classroom Observation (SLSCO) assessment. The procedure for developing the SLSCO is discussed and the results of use of the SLSCO with National Technical Institute for the Deaf faculty (n=14) during a trial year are summarized. (Contains references.)…

Reports on a year-long study of three biology teachers' language integrated biology teaching to nonnative English speaking students. Used extensive classroom observations and interviews to provide a portrait of these teachers' working with multilingual, multicultural, and multilevel students. (Author/VWL)

Discusses issues surrounding classroom-based assessment of writing. Describes the author's own experiences in developing and using a formative evaluation system for middle school students with learning problems; and discusses issues related to the linkage between assessment and instruction. Suggests matters of technical adequacy are as important…

Prior researchers have evaluated the efficacy of using the matching law to describe naturally occurring behavior-environment interactions. However, spurious matching could be obtained if the response and environmental event were correlated, even if the event did not reinforce the response. To assess the likelihood of obtaining spurious matching…

In this article, we examine the evolving influences and literacy beliefs of two elementary teachers during their second year of professional teaching. Interview and observational data indicated that teaching context and personal dispositions most influenced the participant's literacy beliefs during this time. In particular, instructional decisions…

This paper begins with a brief outline of the philosophical and methodological basis and the corresponding early education classroom practice envisaged and advocated by the current child-centred Irish Primary School Curriculum (1999). In the context of an overall 'fidelity-type' study, which sought to examine the degree to which the aforementioned…

This paper reflects on the collaborative learning experiences of two 'student teachers' who have recently completed a Masters in Higher Education. Its purpose is to enhance our general understanding, and to encourage debate on how the professional expertise and confidence of new academics may be supported. Specifically, the article examines the…

Leadership has been characterized by particular personal qualities and traits, specifically one?s ability to influence others? thoughts, energies, emotions, feelings, or behaviors within the scope of emergent leadership (Farrall & Kronberg, 1996). Based on self organization patterns of groups, a leader emerges while other group members move into…

Momentary time samples (MTS) of 2, 4, and 6 minutes were compared to continuous recording samples of on-task behavior for three elementary-aged students with emotional/behavioral orders (EBD). Results indicated that the 2-minute, but not the 4- or 6-minute, interval MTS were consistent with the continuous measure. Implications for research and…

In schools across the United States, an increasingly familiar sight is that of professional artists coming together with students and teachers for the purpose of learning in and through the arts. Musicians, dancers, visual artists, actors, storytellers, and others are finding exciting new professional opportunities as more and more schools are…