Discussion of teacher education and the use of interactive multimedia focuses on two studies conducted at Arizona State University that provided qualitative data on the effectiveness of Teaching Mathematics Methods Using Interactive Videodisc, a prototype developed for an elementary mathematics education methods course. (LRW)

Utilizing a historical and societal perspective, this essay explores the reasons why women become primary school teachers and the ways in which societal norms, educational theories, educational practice have influenced the role of the female primary teacher. (MDM)

Argues that, to be considered true professionals, early childhood educators need to have a sound understanding of the theoretical framework of child development and early childhood education; advance developmentally appropriate practices; and consider their pupils on an individual basis through a child-centered curriculum. (MDM)

British teachers excel in managing students' behaviors during classroom learning activities. The paper examines the major differences between British and American schools for young children, then discusses three factors that influence British teachers' abilities (knowledge of child development, structuring of learning activities, and shaping…

Argues that teacher in-service education programs should adopt an explicit standard for programs, value effects of in-service programs on teachers' needs for professional experiences, appreciate differences arising among schools and teachers in efforts to change educational practices, take a longitudinal perspective, and expand evaluation into the…

Presents a definition of empowerment based on research and school-based programing. Discusses ways in which schools can involve parents, teachers, and administrators in an empowerment process that leads to improved student achievement. Offers questions that can be used to focus initiatives in home-school partnerships. (BC)

Considers the various meanings of action research historically and as it is currently manifested. Notes that, in attempting to define action research and to use it for the diverse goals of teacher professionalization, improved knowledge, and social justice, researchers sometimes overlook teachers' struggles with implementation and outside…

Rebuts the case made by Donald Williams in "Making a Case for the Science Specialist." Argues that using science specialists gives the impression that science is only for certain people. Considers points made by preservice teachers in Williams' article concerning attitude, curricular concerns, and teaching science using real-life…

Presents recommendations for teachers' course of action in advocating for first-grade students exhibiting problems or concerns in the following areas: (1) excessive quietness and fear of being incorrect; (2) worrisome child behaviors combined with parents who are extremely confrontational toward authority; and (3) suspected child abuse. (KB)

This article describes how content area readers/informational books can be used in beginning reading programs to support both literacy development and the learning of national standards-based content. Benefits from using content area readers/informational books with young readers include: (1) Certain children, often boys, are far more excited by…

This paper is based on a multidimensional study employing a heuristic methodology termed "creative narrative" that combines arts-based methods with narrative inquiry. Six female teachers' narratives of identity are explored through artistic, visual images to illuminate if and how they story "unconscious". The creative narratives, illuminated…

In the late 1980s, three steps were added to the incremental pay scale for teachers in all Australian state and territory education authorities. The original intent of this Advanced Skills Teacher (AST) concept was to provide an alternative career path for teachers wishing to remain primarily in a teaching role, a career path comparable in status…

This paper describes a project at Arizona State University West to generate a collection of narratives to be used in professional teacher education and to examine ways narratives and narrative research techniques could be used with students. The first half of the paper lists members of the research team, their individual concerns, how they came…

The rural school teacher needs to be certain that pupils are attaining the skills needed in reading to be successful in the world of work or postsecondary education. A major source of problems for rural pupils is that many lack background information in order to attach meaning to what is being read. Adequate attention must be given to pupils…

This brochure discusses parents' involvement in their children's education. It is maintained that parent involvement in education is one of the most promising movements to have come out of the school reforms of the 1980s. Recent history of parent involvement in American schools; several American educators' ideas about parent involvement; and…