Provides a comprehensive evaluation of using videodisc effectiveness with elementary teacher education students to develop skills in implementing cooperative learning in elementary social studies. Probes the use of the videodisc to build observation skills and cooperative group facilitation skills. Indicates that videodisc instruction offers…

Observation of a single high school foreign-language classroom, focusing on the relationships between the foreign-language curriculum and the classroom dynamics, highlighted frequently invisible organizational pressures and the distance between idealistic curricula and policy and teachers' and students' needs. (CB)

This article describes a three-year teacher training project that aimed to improve the training of elementary school foreign language teachers at institutions of higher education. The training model paired North Carolina teacher trainers with experienced elementary school teachers who served as their mentors. (eight references) (JL)

Discusses the development of a webbed curriculum at the preschool level. The teacher develops the curriculum by observing children, documenting their recurring interests and the themes of their activities, and integrating and connecting class activities. (BB)

Compares two groups of high school social studies teachers to determine how their attitudes and beliefs about instruction inform their practice in promoting higher order thinking among students. Measures teacher performance across 10 dimensions of classroom thoughtfulness based on Fred Newmann's work. Finds an important link between teachers'…

Preschool and kindergarten programs for poor and middle-class children fell into three types: (1) didactic programs, which stressed academic skills and had relatively negative social environments; (2) child-centered programs, which deemphasized academic skills and had positive social environments; and (3) intermediate programs, which fell between…

Reviews current trends in instructional assessment and proposes a model for assessing information skills instruction in school library media centers using principles advocated in outcome-based education (OBE). Assessment techniques discussed include observation, journals, student projects, paper and pencil tests, self-evaluation, peer evaluation,…

The quality and quantity of science classroom interactions in relationship to gender were identified. The observational variables included level of question, type of response, method of attraction, target student gender, teacher gender, and class enrollments. The results suggest that female students have fewer interactions with science teachers…

Reports on a study of 10 preservice music teachers' ability to self-analyze videotapes accurately for teacher effectiveness and teacher intensity behaviors. Compares two classroom observation forms. Finds that significant improvement in teacher intensity occurred over the course of four lessons. (CFR)

This qualitative study describes the differences in the lived experiences of two elementary teachers and the impact these differences have had on their beliefs and practices as teachers of science. Although both teachers experienced traditional, textbook-driven science instruction as students in schools, their experiences with science outside of…

The impact of project-based learning has been shown to be effective in increasing pupil motivation, improving problem-solving skills and thinking skills in studies by Barrows and Williams. "Project Hour" was set up in order to conduct a longitudinal study over the course of one academic year, to observe and record progress and…

Issues in the design of research to describe educational practice are examined, and arguments for and against particular methodologies are summarized. A single study is used for illustrative purposes; it explores the relationship between English taught as a second language in school and English language needs in the workplace. The study uses both…

A study of 23 secondary school students in year 11 at a British comprehensive school investigated students' feelings about English and Bengali, their native language, their language learning history, how they had developed English language skills in a predominantly Bengali-speaking community, how they had maintained and developed their Bengali,…

Problems involved in reducing the achievement gap among ethnic groups in the Seattle (Washington) public schools were studied. An 11-member team selected 25 elementary schools and 216 classrooms for the study, which included classroom observations, teacher questionnaires, and measurement of ethnic achievement gap reduction through California…

A discussion of family literacy projects focuses on alternatives to traditional methods of program evaluation. In the first chapter, the distinction between standardized and alternative assessments is clarified and the special evaluation needs of family literacy projects are highlighted. The remainder of the handbook is intended to help program…