There are selected philosophies in the teaching of mathematics that can provide guidance to the teacher in developing the curriculum. This paper discusses four philosophies of teaching mathematics. (1) Idealism stresses that the pupil lives in an idea-centered mathematical world, but not an objective real world. Abstract content is prized more…

This paper considers some of the similarities and differences between education and business in view of the fact that there are many who advocate that the public schools follow a business model in their operations. Salaries of executives in education, and superintendents in particular, tend to be lower than those of business executives, and their…

There is much discussion of the shortage of qualified teachers and the need for teacher recruitment, but punishment strategies legislated in many states to motivate teachers to do the extraordinary are also publicized. There are positive approaches that can be used to motivate teachers, including improving facilities and classroom conditions,…

This paper shares ideas for creating learning opportunities in mathematics classrooms. Ideas include using single or multiple series of textbooks, markers, teacher-made materials, transparencies and the overhead projector, filmstrips, graphs, songs, money, Geoboards, drill and practice, videotapes, and technology. Mathematics learning activities…

Reading is one avenue of learning in the vital curriculum area of science. Factual as well as fictional content can be read by pupils in ongoing science units of study. Both fiction and non-fiction provide for attainment of science curriculum objectives emphasizing knowledge, skills, and attitudes. This document discusses teaching methods that…

A discussion of geography's place in the curriculum and suggested methods for teaching geography are presented in this paper. Geography may be included in the curriculum in a variety of ways, such as infusing it throughout the curriculum or designing an integrated curriculum with geography as the core. Principles of learning derived from…

This paper suggests that leadership is needed to assist teachers in doing an excellent job of teaching social studies. The principal or supervisor must provide the necessary leadership. This leader needs to observe teaching and learning situations frequently in the classroom setting. Teaching suggestions are provided by the leader to teachers so…

This paper presents numerous approaches that teachers may use to help pupils deal with difficulties in reading comprehension in mathematics. It discusses the importance of understanding the meaning of the words and symbols used. It argues that: (1) pupils need adequate background information prior to reading story or word problems; (2) a hands-on…

Designed for elementary and secondary school social studies educators, this examination of the beliefs, values, customs, and philosophies of diverse groups of Mennonites living in the United States focuses specifically on major differences between and among the Holdeman Mennonites, the Hutterites, the General Conference Mennonites, the Mennonite…

Reading and writing are interrelated. What has been read provides material for writing. This paper focuses on reading endeavors that provide subject matter for writing. The paper first recommends reading poetry to the class and states that the teacher should have ready for use an anthology of children's literature. Children can write poems for…

Pupils need variety in their writing experiences, and social studies writing involves writing across the curriculum as well as stressing positive attitudes and feelings of the learner. Subject matter should come from the pupil, and diverse learning opportunities should assist the pupil in acquiring the relevant facts, concepts, and main ideas…

This document outlines principles of learning that should be followed by teachers of gifted students. Principles include: (1) students' need to experience challenge in the classroom; (2) students' need to attain as much as individual abilities permit; (3) curricular emphasis on students' personal interests; (4) meaningful experiences; (5)…

Students need teacher guidance to have ample practice in understanding and using the concept of intonation and its inherent parts: (1) stress (placing emphasis); (2) pitch (higher or lower sound); and (3) juncture (pauses). To communicate effectively, students need to utilize stress, pitch, and juncture appropriately in oral and written discourse.…

Summative evaluation of student achievement in reading emphasizes determining learner progress at the end of a unit of study, end of course, or end of the school year. Generally, state mandated tests stress an end of the school year percentile which is to indicate the present state of learner achievement. This paper discusses and analyzes…

Understanding the structure of the English language can assist learners in getting the feeling for what comes next sequentially in oral or silent reading. Noting that the structure of knowledge movement during the 1960s-1970s emphasized the selection of what is relevant and important to teach and that pupils learn ideas inductively, this paper…