This study describes the processes involved in developing an observational system for analyzing teacher classroom behavior. Three-hundred-sixty sixth grade students reported their perceptions of their teachers by responding to a questionnaire and to the same questions during interviews. The students' perceptual reports were analyzed to determine…

A detailed and condensed discussion describes the process of test item preparation in general, with special application to the measurement of learning in occupational education. Because the Instructional Support System Occupational Education (ISSOE) has as a policy a emphasis on input from teachers, these guidelines have been prepared to assist…

This paper investigates how people acquire knowledge from maps. Emphasis is placed on heuristics--defined as the procedures that people use to select, combine, and encode map information in memory. The objective is to develop a theory of expertise in map learning by analyzing differences between fast and slow learners in terms of differences in…

The paper describes a model to aid curriculum developers as they design futures curricula. The objective is to demonstrate how curricula can be holistic in perspective and balanced in provision for student future-focused role image as well as subject matter. The model, based on symmetry (within the individual and the curriculum), has seven facets:…

This collection of 14 papers explores aspects of open education for middle level schools. The first paper challenges open educators to work for the reform of absurd and obsolete educational practices. The second discusses management of the open environment. The third investigates problems of linking learners and learning activities. Other papers…

A 1974 study surveyed the ethnic and multicultural content in prescribed elementary and secondary curricula used across Canada during the 1974-75 school year. Data sources were the documents for social studies, social science, and history programs published by the provincial and territorial departments of education; correspondence provided…

A study was conducted in order to develop a systematic method for the evaluation of students' prior, non-sponsored learning for the award of college credit at Blackhawk College (Illinois). It was determined that a course designed to prepare the student for assessment of prior learning was the best way for the institution to provide assistance to…

This document outlines an approach to collecting and processing data for both professional development and course improvement. The approach, which combines elements of evaluation and research, is referred to as an instructional audit. Data collected during the audit addresses the following basic questions: (1) What does the teacher intend to…

The importance of the incorporation of affective education into present school curricula is discussed in the contexts of (a) historical antecedents and (b) problems caused by the lack of attention paid to the role played by feelings and emotions in a child's learning, growth and development. Three challenges facing an educator who wants to…

Although over 100 million tests are administered each year and testing is a subject of increasing contention among students, faculty members remain diffident. A better understanding of the purpose and structure of evaluating mechanisms is a prerequisite for widespread improvement. Teachers must understand what factors play a part in measuring…

PLAN Social studies curriculum attempts to assure that each student achieves educational objectives appropriate to his individual needs and interests. The guiding framework is presented in the form of a list of over one hundred long-range objectives (LRO's). The major objective areas are: inquiry, problem-solving and planning, affective…

An experiment was designed and conducted for the Community College Department of Sociology. The objective was to determine the significant difference between the objective knowledge of sociology learned, and retained by groups taught by the systems approach method as compared to the lecture-discussion method. The systems analysis method is based…

Using simulations developed by the High School Geography Project and films recording the use of the simulations, teachers learn to: (1) use simulation exercises in class; (2) provide a classroom atmosphere conducive to free interaction and expression among students; (3) analyze simulation in terms of problems considered, alternative choices,…

These papers are related to the basic comprehensive research and development plan of the Eastern Regional Institute for Education (ERIE). The first paper, Improving Process Education: A Comprehensive Plan by Burton G. Andreas, describes the comprehensive plan and introduces the succeeding papers. The goals of the program are to improve process…

This teaching and resource guide for Theme III of the secondary social studies program offers a cross cultural approach in the hope that students will develop an integrated world view as they study man and his behavior, groups of men, uses that men have of the earth and its resources, and political institutions. Five units comprise the course…