The New York City Department of Education has recently set forth new mandates for the redesign of classrooms. Teachers must be taught how to redesign their classrooms correctly so that all students will be provided with the necessary space to accommodate their environmental learning-style preferences. By altering the classroom, teachers give some…

A high school English teacher recounts her experiences in taking over sponsorship of the school newspaper. (SJL)

Helping students to appreciate and consequently accept responsibility for planning their learning experiences in partnership with the teacher takes time, patience, and knowledge to facilitate this emerging ability. These guidelines and suggestions are intended to help in this task. (Author/SJL)

From his own teaching experience, the author presents his views on the essentials of effective writing instruction: diagnostic testing, student grouping, meaningful assignments, and the teacher as model. He also presents some of his techniques for teaching observational skills, exactness, and logical sequence. (SJL)

The author discusses the utilization of small group teaching strategies which offer a unique opportunity to sensitize students to group skills. He believes that small groups provide an environment where the maximum number of students can learn through practice. (Author/KC)

Offers categories, such as management of class time and use of practice and play, which can be used in observing the instructional performance of physical education teachers. A rating form is included. (SJL)

Describes a curriculum model designed to clarify some issues involved in individualized instruction. Its intent is to sort through the vast array of programs developed for individualization and to achieve a better understanding of the concept of individualized learning. Based on informal and formal approaches, the model contains: goals and…

The author identifies three basic guidelines and some procedures that can be used to implement student-planned individualized learning in any subject in intermediate and secondary grades. He discusses the benefits of individualized study to both students and teachers. A student planning form is included. (Author/SJL)

The authors sought evidence of two basic elements of the "new" social studies programs: reliance on multimedia approaches and flexible grouping for specified tasks. Although some bright spots were evidenced, social studies in the typical middle-grade classrooms surveyed consisted of whole-class instruction with one basic text.…

The authors briefly describe their research on teaching cooperative classroom behavior to students; outline the essential components of a curricular activity designed to foster cooperative behavior; and explain how teachers can promote in their students both the skills and the affective components of cooperation. (SJL)

The author outlines four causes of classroom discipline problems: lack of administrative leadership; poor teacher organization; lack of a basic set of principles for avoiding disruption; and failure to identify the characteristics of potentially disruptive students. For each factor, successful practices are identifid. (Author/SJL)

The administrator of a high school equivalency program discusses the needs and preferences of returning adult students and suggests steps that the school can take to make these students feel comfortable on campus and in the classroom. (SJL)

Suggests that with a modified staffing plan using teacher interns, peer teachers, and community volunteers, better coverage of teaching needs could be provided with less salary cost. Presents proposals for a teacher staffing pattern, salary schedule, and a possible daily schedule implementing the suggested staffing pattern. (MM)