Two factors were investigated: the longitudinal nature of student ratings of instructors and the use of item banks for designing student rating questionnaires, especially for instructor feedback. (Author/MLW)

This study examined connections between being a cooperating teacher and professional development, demonstrating that veteran teachers who desire to transform their teaching practices can use their work with student teachers as professional growth opportunities. It discusses how the role of cooperating teacher can affect veteran teachers'…

The study investigated linguistic, cultural, and attitudinal changes in public school teachers during time spent in a study abroad setting in Spain, noting the effect of their conducting ethnographic interviews while in Spain on those changes. The study also looked at problems teachers experienced while studying abroad. Data from pretests and…

This study examined what teachers needed to learn to teach in new ways and how teachers developed those capacities. It also investigated the additional skills and orientations teachers needed to take on leadership roles and how teacher leaders acquired their ability to lead their colleagues. Data came from a 2-year study of 10 exemplary teacher…

Examined the usefulness of various Western strategies to teach reading in an inservice program in Namibia designed to develop teachers' capacity to teach reading more effectively. Found that structured and bottom-up strategies were more effective than top-down strategies. Findings highlight the importance of using an eclectic approach to teaching…

Describes how an analysis of teaching improvement grants can provide information on professors' instructional choices regarding use of technology in higher education. An analysis of over six years of award-winning innovative technology proposals emphasized the positive practices that were being proposed, the importance of situating the analysis…

This study explored the perceptions of faculty at a large urban university concerning (1) personal and college rewards for job responsibilities, and (2) which programs and incentives to enhance teaching effectiveness would be most attractive to them. The top rated options were institutional recognition of teaching excellence. (Author/MLW)

Reports a study that examined how specific reflective pedagogical strategies influenced preservice physical educators to reflect on practice. Six students participated in groups that promoted one of two levels of reflection. Results supported the positive influence of new pedagogical reflective strategies in promoting preservice teachers'…

Reports a study that explored the perceptions of postgraduate initial teacher education students at a South African university who spent part of the year in various industrial, commercial, and social enterprises. Surveys and interviews with participants indicated they gained many useful insights into the nature, functioning, and management of…

A study of five rural school districts in Washington State examined the effects of students' cultural diversity on education. Interviews with administrators, teachers, parents, and community members emphasized the need for staff development to consider the characteristics of diverse student populations. Recommendations for staff developers are…

Eight preschool and primary school teachers participated in workshops on planning creative dance instruction. Four months after the workshops, all eight were using dance as an educational tool. Reasons for teachers' choice to use dance in the classroom are discussed. (MDM)

Presents data from surveys and interviews with 129 beginning secondary teachers (trained, untrained, and partially trained) and a survey of school principals in Hong Kong. Differences between trained and untrained groups indicated a need for preservice training and induction for all beginning teachers. (SM)

This case study examined the changes in a second grade teacher's beliefs about learning and teaching as she resolved the conflicts/dilemmas between her previous views and the emphasis of a project on children's construction of mathematical meanings. Video cameras were used to record each mathematics lesson from one school year. (SLD)

Examined how fifth-year teachers from an innovative preservice program resolved significant issues during their first teaching year. Interviews in their first and fifth years produced case studies that described teachers, contexts, interactions between teachers and contexts, and teacher beliefs and practices, providing important information for…

Two policy options for improving teacher competence, inservice training and regular classroom supervision, were studied through a survey of approximately 400 rural primary schools in Thailand. Results do not indicate improvement resulting from inservice training but do show improvement resulting from intensity of supervision. Implications for…