This study explored the impact of cooperative learning in a college level laboratory science course by comparing classes taught by a conventional lab-lecture technique. Students in a basic science skills course for preservice elementary teachers participated over a 14-week period. Instruments used were the Science Attitude Survey, Test of Logical…

The Search for Exemplary Preservice Elementary Science Programs was undertaken to recognize programs that modeled effective teaching behaviors and prepared teachers for developing appropriate attitudes and skills in students. This document describes the seven exemplary programs that were recognized by the National Science Teachers Association's…

Aided by a 21-member Elementary Education Study Group, the Secretary of Education has prepared the first comprehensive report on elementary education in the United States in more than three decades. The report finds America's elementary schools in pretty good shape, and states that they do their job especially well in the early grades, only…

In assessing coping techniques, the individual is the most important variable; no one technique will be successful for an individual in all situations. Also, stress-reduction techniques must be sensitive to individual differences, both culturally and situationally. Consequently, since no one technique will work for everyone, a stress-reduction…

This paper is intended to provide a basis for discussion about staff development in the mathematics education community. It is directed to those who plan staff development programs intended to improve elementary mathematics teachers' classroom practice. Discussion includes the importance of establishing program goals and considerations of the…

Stresses the importance of hands-on science in elementary schools. Gives tips on designing your own excellent science program. Lists resources for hands-on activities. (RT)

Suggests strategies for improving communications between school media specialists and teachers as a means of establishing a better working relationship and improving library collections and services. An outline of a proposed four-day media specialist/teacher workshop is provided as well as six references and three sources of additional…

Teacher criticisms towards education courses were studied by comparing students' experiences in three different approaches to teacher education. Findings indicate that criticism was directed at symptoms rather than at causes. Integration of theory and practice at the teacher education level was given as a possible remedy. (DF)

Noting that violent behavior is learned, often early in life, this booklet offers early childhood educators helpful violence-prevention information and suggestions based on early childhood research and the wisdom of good practice. The booklet begins by reviewing young children's emotional needs and developmental characteristics, and then suggests…

This handbook offers guidance on how to establish relationships with the school staff, organize and manage an inviting classroom, prepare lessons to engage students, prevent discipline problems, develop partnerships with parents, assess student learning and performance, troubleshoot behavior problems, and develop a teacher portfolio. Chapter 1…

This document clarifies the credentials necessary for people who wish to work in various capacities with young children, focusing on the required early childhood teacher certification and/or licensure for programs under the responsibility of the Ohio Department of Education. The document covers the following areas: selected questions on teacher…

An instructional problems survey administered to 178 elementary and secondary teachers did not confirm the hypothesized developmental difference between beginning and experienced teachers' concerns and problems. The personal, institutional, and task problems found to be common to all respondents are listed and suggestions made for addressing them…

Written documentation helps teachers highlight all of the extras they do that make a difference in education. The documentation includes a professional vita and written commentary, which are usually placed within professional portfolios. This paper examines essential features of the vita and written commentary, explaining how to collect necessary…

Describes a collaborative consultative program used with 26 elementary school teachers in three schools. Emphasis was on encouraging teachers' creativity and innovation in selecting and implementing teaching strategies. Workshops demonstrated a problem-solving approach to selecting appropriate interventions with individual children. A chart shows…

Elementary school students need to work independently during writing time and monitor and assess their own progress. This paper describes self-designed rubrics, which teachers create with the help of their students. A class activity sheet explains how to create writing rubrics based on needs and goals that students identify. (SM)