Determining the characteristics of effective teaching has been a problem for more than 50 years. Studies attempting to rate characteristics or to devise a fair evaluation method abound, but one necessary perspective must not be overlooked: that of the student. An effective teacher transmits knowledge with a blend of intensity and empathy that…

This paper reviews significant literature on teachers' beliefs, offers support for the contention that current research is moving in a more utilitarian direction than in the past, and argues that continuing research into teachers' beliefs could be useful in improving teaching practice. The review focuses on five areas: (1) the different ways that…

This booklet examines the current instructional uses of computers, their demands on teachers and teacher trainers, and the measures required to further promote their use. Five principal educational computer uses are addressed: (1) learning from computers in drill and practice and tutorial programs; (2) learning with computers using simulations and…

A review of the research indicates that the interface between the findings from research on teaching and staff development of teachers is an important but neglected one. An improvement in teaching skills calls for an interactive or collaborative mode of professional development which is based on classroom interests and the needs of teachers, with…

Designed to provide information about reading in New Zealand, this report offers an overview of theory and practice in that area. Among the topics discussed are: the current concern about reading standards; developmental reading; effective methods of reading instruction; research into the nature of the reading process; preparation of teachers of…

This report contains a collection of papers on the status of the use of calculators in the schools of 16 countries. Each report summarizes trends and prevailing opinions about curricular implications of calculators; research activities; instructional practices; student attitudes; in-service activities; and general background on amount and type of…

This review examines 97 studies and evaluation reports of teacher inservice education and generalizes about the characteristics of successful programs. The studies were classified into 14 categories, seven of which represent pairs of conflicting values about how inservice education should be structured. These categories classed activities…

Reviews criteria for success of both teacher education programs and language teachers across educational levels, examining what has already been achieved in preparing teachers. Offers a set of proposals to engage teacher education specialists in second languages in dialog about the future of teacher development. (EKN)

This literature review focuses on the application of technology (primarily the computer) to education. No single vision drives the infusion of technology into the schools, although social, vocational, pedagogic, and catalytic rationales have been proposed. Technology has a role in school restructuring by standardizing and automating procedures.…

Taking a graduate-level course on family living and human sexuality resulted in increased knowledge for participating teachers, although no changes in overall attitudes were evident. A major finding of a study evaluating course effects was that older teachers tended to be less permissive on controversial issues. (Author/PP)

A study of the learning activities of 43 beginning secondary school teachers in Oregon provides information about how and to what extent these teachers supplemented academic training with practical knowledge. Types of learning experiences, time spent on them, and teachers' opinions about their worth are discussed. (PP)

Teacher self-improvement is a concept that can be used as part of a school's program for professional development and teacher evaluation. Methods for helping teachers evaluate their own performances, for obtaining feedback from students and colleagues, for designing self-improvement programs, and for monitoring progress are described. (PP)

Literature and research on inservice teacher education strongly suggest that traditional inservice, which rewards teachers who obtain advanced degrees and credits with salary increases, has no logical or empirical justification. School districts should assume responsibility for inservice training and should develop and fund these programs…

The issue of salary benefits for advanced degrees has long needed reexamining, but to make cost effectiveness the dominant criteria in evaluating university-based inservice teacher education is limiting. The benefits of lifelong professional development, which responds to educators as developing adults as well as improves classroom skills, are…

This review provides a framework for evaluating professional development programs designed to enhance the education of students with disabilities. Common components of three successful professional development programs are considered, with attention to connecting theory and practice, involving teachers in collaborative and supportive roles, and…