Presents a classroom exercise that can help students focus on the difficulties in defining normal sexual behavior. Provides a 30-item questionnaire on which students indicate whether or not a variety of behaviors are normal. States that students then meet in groups and construct a definition of "normal" sexual behavior. (DB)

Highlights a study that demonstrates what it means to press students to think conceptually about mathematics. Discusses similarities between classes--social norms--and differences between classrooms--sociomathematical norms. Concludes that, when teachers press hard for conceptual thinking, mathematics drives not only the activities but students'…

Presents some suggestions to secondary teachers on organizing small group instruction projects and provides a sample set of conduct guidelines for students participating in group work. (SJL)

Explains discipline problems inherent in close rural environments and describes norm-setting, a successful classroom management plan that accentuates student discipline and minimizes teacher domination. Explains how to develop behavior norms for the classroom based on six categories of student and teacher goals. Notes the advantages of…

To manage classroom conflict effectively, college faculty need to be able to identify and analyze the problem and find solutions. Problem identification addresses who is involved; nature of the conflict; when it happened; where it happened; resolution attempts; and consequences. Solution identification includes developing a positive attitude;…

Twelve characteristics of effective schools are described, including: (1) academic and social goals; (2) curriculum; (3) rules of conduct; (4) administrator, teacher, and student responsibilities; (5) time on task; and (6) parental and community support. (CJ)

Strategies for curbing disruptions in the classroom include setting expectations, naming and defining behaviors students must learn, modeling appropriate and alternative behavior, setting up routines showing that self-control is important, settling on predictable consequences for blurting out, having children start over if communication breaks…

Based on William Golding's novel "Lord of the Flies," this lesson plan presents activities designed to help students understand that, on a literal level, the novel deals with what happens to a group of boys stranded on an island; and that on a symbolic level, it investigates what happens to civilized people when the structures of civilization…

Describes a class assignment for a college-level sociology course in which students read from religious texts to identify norms and sanctions. Reports that students expressed positive comments about the activity. Includes suggestions for preparing materials, instructions for implementing the activity, and a coding sheet to be used by students.…

Institutional approaches to alternative dispute resolution can offer students and faculty a safe, non-judgmental environment for addressing disputes and promoting campus civility. Issues discussed include ways to promote an institutional atmosphere of civility; creation of structures for conflict resolution and alternative dispute resolution; use…

As part of Louisiana's efforts to expand and improve the quality of its early childhood programs, a committee of educators from across the state collaborated to develop standards for programs serving 4-year-olds. This guide presents program standards to assist the ongoing development, evaluation, and improvement of early childhood center-based…

College faculty and students play important roles in maintaining a tension-free, democratic, and effective learning environment for a diverse student body. Although many instructors feel unprepared to manage disruptive or harmful behaviors, they must receive training to learn to negotiate difficult dialogs, especially as the student population…

Outlines a three-part lesson designed to explore ethical issues, emphasizing ethical considerations inherent in the practice of law. Presents, first, a way to discuss the Pete Rose case; second, situations that bring ethical issues closer to the student; and, third, an examination of legal ethical issues such as the attorney-client privilege. (DB)

A problem-solving strategy for dealing with disruptive student behavior in the college classroom is outlined. It uses a series of questions designed to provide perspective on the problem and aid in generating responses. Steps include clarifying the problem, identifying critical elements, describing context, analyzing emotional and behavioral…

Presents a lesson plan from the Alberta (Canada) Education Curriculum on ethics for upper elementary or middle school students designed to take two class periods. Outlines materials and procedures involved. Identifies these instructional goals: (1) define "code" and relate the concept to standards of behavior; and (2) draft a code of…