Discusses a study of the characteristics and behaviors of exceptionally effective urban community college teachers which used in-depth interviews with 28 college faculty identified as exemplary teachers. Shows that respondents shared many common teaching characteristics and instructional practices, but few common personal characteristics. (AYC)

This study builds on previously established attribution-affect linkages in an effort to better understand teachers' evaluative reactions to student success and failure. As predicted, the affective reactions of teachers indicate that they are more willing to accept personal responsibility for certain kinds of student outcomes than others. (Author)

Compared classroom management techniques of 158 classroom teachers and 32 learning disability resource teachers. Results showed significant differences in overall approach to classroom management, with classroom teachers displaying a more sensitizing (punitive) approach. Classroom teachers pursuing graduate training in learning disabilities…

Explored (1) the cognitive responses elementary-school students made to teaching events and (2) the cognitive processes their teachers intended them to use in typical classroom lessons. (MP)

Perceptions of five dimensions of teaching of award-winning and nonaward-winning university faculty, matched for academic rank and field, were compared. The groups' perceptions could not be differentiated via discriminant analysis. The groups could be distinguished on teaching preference. Award-winning faculty preferred instructing graduate…

Building from Holland's model of vocational choice, this study investigated the extent to which teachers' career satisfaction is related to selected skills, values, and professional accomplishments of those teachers. Career satisfaction was significantly related to teachers' professional achievements consistent with Holland's model and previous…

A 38-item questionnaire measured the effect of student teaching on students' attitudes toward professional practice, self-appraised levels of anxiety and competence, and imagined feelings as teachers. Responses suggested that field experience instills confidence but also encourages student teachers to value more restrictive and custodial teaching…

This article examines some British classroom studies and raises further research questions on small group instruction (SGI) as a teaching tool. Considered are teachers' use of SGI; its efficacy for cognitive, language, and social development; and student-to-student interaction patterns in relation to seating, sex, and ability mix. (SJL)

DeCharms conceptualized a classroom environment, called an origin climate, in which teachers motivate students by encouraging goal-setting, personal responsibility and self confidence. In this study of eighth- and eleventh-grade math classes, attributed responsibility and grades positively correlated with pupils' perceptions of their classroom as…

Lowering class dropout rates is the goal of the physics department at the University of Houston (Texas). Microcomputers, videotapes, and tutors are available to assist students. (Author/MLF)

Discusses the problems inherent in student ratings of professors as a method to determine salary increases, promotions, and teaching awards. Offers possible alternatives that avoid diminishing the quality of higher education. (Author/WD)

Transmission-interpretation (T-I) has been conceptualized as an important dimension of teacher verbal behavior. This study measured teacher T-I through a Likert scale completed by students. The T-I scale (a copy is appended) correlated 0.83 with the Student Perception of Teacher Style scale, measuring teacher directiveness. (Author/SJL)

Finds that although the classroom behavior of second- grade pupils is, in most ways, statistically independent of their families' income, teachers of low income family pupils criticize more often, are more directive, and seem more concerned with control. Argues that these teachers prepare their students for failure. (Author/GC)