Bringing learning through play pedagogies to schools and children requires major investments in teacher professional development (TPD) that builds teachers' understanding of the value of learning through play, enables them to build and practice strategies and skills to support learning through play in the classroom, and supports their ongoing…

This paper explores the literature to determine if exploratory talk could aid pupil learning and understanding in secondary schools and, if so, how it could best be utilised and what the roles of the 'teacher' and the 'learner' are in the process. We found five main themes related to talk and learning: exploratory talk is educationally valuable…

Examines approaches which have been successful in creating a humorous atmosphere in a Montessori class for 2- and 3-year olds, and reviews research findings with various ages and cross-cultural comparisons that contribute to an understanding of the role of humor in children's natural development. (Author)

Based on an analysis of teacher clarity as a process-product variable, suggestions are made to enhance the concept of clarity as a factor in classroom learning. Clarity is referenced to learning theories and other theories accounting for student learning as a way to understand more fully the role of clarity in effective teaching. (Author/PN)

Examines the argument that accelerated learning occurs in the presence of music. Summarizes animal and human research findings relating music exposure to enhanced learning, the role of introversion/extroversion on learning environment preferences, state-specific learning, the use of music to enhance second-language learning, and the impact of…

This paper compares and discusses the relationship between research findings in the areas of the transcendent teacher-learner relationship and the invitational class climate. The transcendent relationship is described as one wherein relators are able to transcend their realities, transform their life direction, and move beyond the historically…

This paper reports on two studies, one quantitative and the other qualitative, on the effectiveness and influence of Freshman Interest Groups (FIGs) at the University of Washington. A quantitative panel study compared 442 freshmen participating in 21 FIGs with 1818 non-participating freshmen. Findings indicated that the FIG program provided a…

This study examined 10 educational outcomes reported by a representative group of 1990 seniors (N=536) who entered a public research university in fall 1986. The project tested an improved set of items reflecting scales of academic and social integration and of intellectual and personal growth developed earlier by Pascarella and Terenzini. The…

Examines the early childhood and primary learning environments and developmentally appropriate practices in light of the findings of brain research in the mid to late 1990s. Focuses on how the brain works, creating the optimal learning environment, developing classroom learning centers, and presenting meaningful learning experiences. Identifies…

This paper explores group cohesiveness, class discussion, and group size in relation to classroom environment and the cognitive-personal growth outcomes of classroom learning. Implications are drawn from the research on cohesiveness for teachers who employ open classroom techniques. (Author/SJL)

Explores why few men registered for and consistently dropped out of a college women's studies course. Interviews with nine men and a review of another student's journal show an uneasiness with being the gender minority in the class, feelings of repression, discomfort at being left out, yet a better appreciation for the minority experience in…

This study analyzed a variety of departmental and student outcomes data obtained from faculty and graduating seniors in 27 academic departments at a Research II University. The purpose was to answer two questions: (1) does a strong research orientation by an academic department promote or hinder student learning and growth? and (2) are differences…

This publication presents reasons why attention to culture and learning is important in schools. It examines the relationship between culture and learning, and discusses how conflicts between the culture of the home and that of the typical classroom hinder the educational process for many children. It reviews examples of culturally sensitive…