Paper summarizes policy and research implications of several studies on Project STAR, noting relationships between class size and student achievement, class size and teaching, and theories of class size effects. It recommends using class reduction to improve achievement and suggests future research on teaching styles, curriculum objectives, and…

A survey of 162 students in several sections of a master of social work basic research methodology and statistics course, taught by different teachers, found that student performance did not differ across instructors, undergraduate grade point average was positively correlated with performance, and an undergraduate social service major was…

Feminist teaching practices, by questioning traditional epistemology and distribution of power, offer special advantages in the culturally diverse classroom, where the valuing of different perspectives is essential. A study of two feminist teachers demonstrates how they attempt to create new kinds of classroom cultures through mastery, voice,…

The subject of this study was a successful elementary physical education teacher, and its purpose was to investigate the pedagogical uses of the teacher's skill in observation. The inquiry was organized around three themes: the constitutive nature of observing, images for observational comparison, and the subjective experience of observation. (IAH)

Offers one teacher's reflections on her methods for dealing with students who challenge classroom teaching norms. Anecdotes of four students are provided. (BB)

This study reports on a survey in Minnesota designed to provide a picture of the instructional styles that are used by seventh- and eighth-grade science teachers (n=139). Although relationships exist, it appears that seventh- and eighth-grade teachers are individualistic and diverse in their reported teaching technique preferences. (PR)

Reports on a study of 110 secondary social studies teachers and the variables that affect the use of learner-centered teaching strategies. Found that methods used in the preservice social studies methods courses had a significant impact on methods used by teachers. Concluded that teacher educators should increase the use of learner-centered…

A survey of 52 American Indian education students in Manitoba revealed that they preferred a structured teaching style with strong teacher control and submissive learners, an attitude contrary to the needs of Indian students. In addition, subjects' study habits suggested negative views of teachers and education. Contains 14 references. (SV)

Discusses the possibility that class size might affect student evaluations of teachers. Reviews existing studies of the relationship between class size and student evaluations. Concludes that student ratings are reasonably valid and that class size does not bias student evaluations. (CFR)

Describes a dispositional conception of thinking, presenting a view of what good thinking dispositions look like and what they are made of. The article compares different models of teaching (teaching as transmission and as enculturation) and examines the extent to which they provide adequate guidelines for teaching thinking dispositions. (SM)

Discusses factors identified by graduate students in elementary education as impairing their mathematics learning or contributing to a negative attitude toward mathematics. Presents key questions to provide insight into a math instructor's focus on teaching style. Provides an example of mathematics instruction in a meaningful context, and tips for…

Presents a comparative study of ways that student teachers learn to assess pupils in the course of their instructional practicum. Discusses how these teachers demonstrate their control of procedure and content, as well as their control of student behavior and learning in the classroom. Contains 27 references. (EMH)

Presents 13 "best practice" motivators and innovations shared by teachers from across the country at the July 1998 Virginia Master Teacher Seminar. Teachers who attended the seminar not only wanted to master the teaching craft but also sought more knowledge as students on their way to mastery. Encourages readers to borrow ideas…

Suggests that this book helps early childhood educators make sense of postmodern theory. Notes that the authors are optimistic that early childhood educators can make radical changes at all levels of their profession and meet the demands of a complex world and its need for multiple perspectives. (DLH)

An Australian study investigated the congruence between intention and strategy in science teachers' qualitatively different approaches to teaching in introductory courses. Results indicated that the strategy adopted by the teacher matched his teaching intention. As anticipated, a student-focused strategy was associated with a conceptual change…