This interview and observational study examined differences in the behavior of teachers and students in high- and low-ability reading groups within 20 kindergarten and first grade heterogeneous classrooms, to determine if intraclass ability grouping interferes with the academic development of low-income and minority students. (PN)

Documentation is a process of observing, collecting, and organizing evidence of children's knowledge, skills, and dispositions. Noting that documentation can be used as an effective method for assessing children's growth and development over time, this 20 minute videotape discusses characteristics of documentation in the early childhood classroom.…

Examined relationships between teacher characteristics (N=30 inservice teachers) and verbal interactions in the classroom. Characteristics examined included teacher lecture, training, intelligence, attitude, extraversion, and neuroticism. Other factors examined included teacher accepting behavior, teacher rejection of responses, teacher-student…

Male student behaviors and student-student interactions were studied in racially integrated activity-centered junior high classrooms. Coded behaviors included: how time was spent by both Black and White students, the number and nature of within-and cross-race interactions, and the relationship between learning behaviors and grades. (Author/PN)

Investigates both the reading and writing behaviors of eight good readers and writers in order to identify shared cognitive-linguistic patterns that might mark both processes, developmental differences between the age groups, and patterns of academic and nonacademic influences on the writing. (HOD)

With reference to EJ 198 838, this article reports similar analysis. Commonality analysis was applied to data gathered on sixth-grade social studies lessons. Variations were found in the proportion of variance achievement. Content coverage was the most powerful process correlate of achievement. (Author/GDC)

The author's research reveals that the presence of a responsible, interactive adult attracts more children to an area than does that of a nonresponsive, passive adult. The authors concluded that the mere presence of a "passive" adult had no impact on maintaining children's interest in a specific learning area. (Author)

Results indicated the degree to which the cognitive performance of classes and individuals was influenced by the combination of student ability and anxiety aptitudes, and teacher structuring and demand for student participation. Four aptitude-treatment interactions were found; these were consistent with prior research. (Author/CP)

Describes a vocational education teacher training program emphasizing improvement in verbal interactions in the classroom. Samples of behavior were recorded on time sample recorders, and feedback was provided to teachers using the Flanders system of verbal interaction analysis. Study results indicate that this instructional model is valid and…

Two experiments examined the possibility that student expectations regarding teacher competence can be communicated to the teacher and bring about expected behavior. Results showed significant differences in student attitudes, performance, and nonverbal behavior according to expectation. Positive and negative nonverbal student behaviors had…

Under general guidelines, each teacher at Angier School designs his/her own system for pupil evaluation, including anecdotal reports and parent conferences. This article describes the school's pupil evaluation policy and the workshops on observation and behavior description that were conducted to help teachers implement the system. (SJL)

Defines creativity as the process of being original, spontaneous, and/or unique, using prior knowledge and available information to think or act in a new way. Creativity can be fostered by acceptance and encouragement, by an atmosphere of trust, and by selection of classroom activities and materials. Children need uninterrupted work time for…

Results from a study of at-risk boys in a summer camp suggest that critical thinking can be fostered effectively in an instructional framework that emphasizes teacher modeling, an indirect approach to instruction, group collaboration, and strategy facilitation. The study examined changes in critical- thinking scores, as well as teacher and student…

Presents an observational study of multicultural educational practices within 12 elementary schools in a major metropolitan area of the south central region of the United States. Reveals the use of the Multicultural Teaching Observation Instrument in measuring teacher support of students, classroom equity, and integration of students' culture…

Reports the results of a case study of three elementary school library media centers (LMCs) that investigated the degree to which LMCs contribute to students' development of positive self-concepts. The relationship between self-concept and academic achievement is discussed, and research methodologies including interviews, observations, and written…