This paper maintains that learning for the purpose of understanding is central to classes that are oriented towards learning. Such classes, which can be said to have a "learning orientation," can be differentiated from classes where an emphasis on performance or doing work increases the likelihood of rote or short-term learning. Four…

During the school year 1981-1982 a series of eight workshops were given in an elementary school and a secondary school in two different school districts. In addition socialization opportunities were provided for both faculties. The purpose of the program was to foster mentoring relationships and by so doing to help staff growth and development and…

This study investigated the capability of Indiana elementary and secondary school teachers to deal effectively with education about the environment and related energy issues. Questions addressed were: (1) What do Indiana teachers know about their physical environment? (2) How do Indiana teachers feel about the environment? and (3) How do the…

This study matched teacher and professor perspectives of preservice educational measurement courses. Twenty-eight professors from different colleges in seven states and 377 teachers from elementary and secondary schools in one midwestern state responded via mailed questionnaire in which: professors were asked to assess the emphasis they give to…

Examines variation in the methods used to assign students to classrooms and teachers in a small but highly diversified sample of elementary schools. Gives explicit attention to parental influence on pupil assignments as well as to effects of having an unusually incompetent or excellent teacher at a particular grade level. (NH)

Determined if a written, persuasive communication would positively affect the attitudes of preservice teachers (N=98) and if the communication would differently affect subjects rated on three levels of self-esteem. Results indicate written persuasive communication could change the attitudes of the preservice elementary teachers in this study. (JN)

Found that a text mode of programed instruction and tutorial computer-assisted instruction are equally effective modes of instruction for teaching internally- and externally-oriented preservice elementary teachers (N=81) the integrated science process skills. (JN)

Described is a survey of the topical emphases in the science methods courses of 239 teacher education institutions. A list of the topics and how they were rated is included. Elementary science methods textbooks commonly used are listed. (CW)

Examines teachers' choices of most and least successful students in terms of mathematics test scores. Teachers were most inaccurate when selecting most successful boys. Teachers tended to relate success to ability with boys and to effort with girls. (Author/YP)

Explores one possible explanation for why student teaching of elementary science diverges from principles emphasized in methods courses. The explanation explored states that a student teacher in the classroom is influenced mainly by immediate situational analysis, rather than principles emphasized in coursework. (LZ)

Describes a qualitative study in which eight elementary school teachers read research articles in children's science and were interviewed. Results fall in three categories: comments relating to the teachers' need to verify the findings of research reports, expressions of self-doubts and questions raised as teachers read the articles, and…

This study examined prospective elementary teachers' learning about scientific inquiry in the context of an innovative life science course. Research questions included: (1) What do prospective elementary teachers learn about scientific inquiry within the context of the course? and (2) In what ways do their experiences engaging in science…

Research on classroom reading practices reveals a heavy emphasis on teacher monitoring and management of materials. Little evidence exists of teacher explanation in reading, and little is known about the qualitative dimensions of such instruction. With this in mind, a study was designed to provide descriptions of explanations used by effective…

The investigation examined relationships among scales for observing and rating teacher performance. Beginning teachers with varying levels of professional experience (2, 9, and 16 months) were rated by pairs of observers on two occasions. Intercorrelations across occasions fell between .5 and .8. Interrater agreement ranged between .5 and .9.…

The purpose of this study is to improve attitudes toward learning science and inquiry-based, science teaching through specially designed instruction in a science methods course for preservice teachers. Eighty preservice teachers over two terms elected to complete one of two projects as part of their science methods course. The "Discussions in…