This Texas Tech University computer literacy course designed for preservice elementary and middle school mathematics teachers lacking a technological orientation facilitates their computer introduction through preliminary use of calculators. Course development, philosophy, and course segments are outlined with emphasis on the sequence in which…

Explains the rationale and goals for a physical science course for elementary education majors. Components include: presentation of a science lesson from one of the elementary science programs; hands-on experience with lessons taught by other students; and incorporation of current science-technology-society problems into discussions. Results from…

Offers classroom teachers from kindergarten through grade 12 seven suggestions on writing publishable manuscripts: (1) study journals' editorial policies, (2) give credit for borrowed material, (3) learn of publication plans for forthcoming issues, (4) avoid sexist language, (5) keep the intended audience in mind, (6) proofread and revise, and (7)…

The general professional preparation of competent primary-grade teachers, as well as the mathematical component of the teacher education program, are discussed. Overall goals, mathematical content, courses, methodological concerns, and teacher competencies are detailed. (MNS)

This book examines the real-world implications of cooperative learning techniques used in a fourth-grade mathematics class and sixth-grade social studies class in a culturally diverse, suburban elementary school. The book documents not just the successes, but also the failures and missed opportunities exhibited by participating teachers and…

This paper presents information and strategies designed to enable teachers and counselors to understand, practice, and utilize the group process known as open classroom meetings. It considers the types of classroom meetings that can be utilized, such as social problem solving meetings, open-ended meetings, and educational diagnostic meetings. The…

Results of a national survey to determine state certification requirements for elementary school teaching were analyzed to determine the amount of science content required. Very few states appear to be mandating sufficient science training to ensure that elementary school teachers are prepared to teach science. (PB)

In this ethnographic study, four context variables emerged as having importance for teacher behavior: lesson type (new material, continuing topic, review); subject matter; size of instructional group (whole class, small group, individual); and time of day or week. Teacher behavior categories analyzed were: diagnostician, designer, facilitator,…

Granite School District (Utah) developed a systematic, effective, and cost-efficient teacher inservice program which provides a basic understanding of metrics, materials and methods for direct classroom use, and evaluation of the learning process, through the use of self-contained, three-phase modules for home or school use. (Author/SB)

Suggestions are offered for teachers in moving schools toward collaboration: reflect on values and teaching; become risk takers; learn to trust processes and people; appreciate colleagues; commit to ongoing improvement; seek variety; redefine roles; balance work and life; include administrators; and acknowledge benefits of collaboration to…

Finds that, among five Zuni and Anglo primary teachers in Zuni Pueblo, ethnic group membership did not determine the extent of culturally congruent teaching behaviors. Suggests that ethnicity goes beyond mere ascription to encompass life experiences, language fluency, and cultural expertise. Contains 24 references. (SV)

This material contains 50 mathematical puzzles as a handy form for providing teachers a variety of puzzles. (YP)

Describes how three teachers developed projects that connect classroom learning with the larger world. A second-grade class collects tea bag tags with applications in many subjects; fifth-grade students launched a stream clean-up; a middle school summer school communication class researched whether O.J. Simpson should stand trial for murder and…

Compares science preparation requirements of preservice elementary teachers with standards set by NSTA. Questionnaire was sent to 321 AACTE institutions. Most colleges do not require recommended 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) of science, and only 20 percent of schools have science content courses designed for elementary education majors.…

A checklist helps teachers measure where they stand in the effort to get students ready for an increasingly multicultural society. The checklist focuses on classroom setup, lessons, and class activities. Most of the ideas are helpful in teaching students to respect and value the world's rich and varied cultures. (SM)