Dealing with difficult behavior is a matter of awareness of the factors involved in prediction, prevention, and instruction. This means three things: Teachers know, or can be assisted in thinking through the environmental events and contexts that are associated with higher probabilities of problem behavior. Second, teachers can actively manipulate…

Suggestions are offered for organizing classrooms to promote learning by all students, including those with special educational needs. Two case studies illustrate the impact of reorganization of intermediate grade classrooms in terms of time on task, motivation, noise level, teacher-student communication, and other factors. (JDD)

By giving each student a number to keep throughout the school year, teachers can maintain efficient classrooms. The paper describes this classroom management system, in which students apply for classroom jobs. The numbers can be used for homework and classroom assignments, organizing attendance, choosing teams, drawing names, and teacher files.…

Examines achievement in individually competitive and cooperatively reward-structured environments during a seven-week class period. Reports no differences between the two treatment groups at posttest. (Author/YP)

This manual offers suggestions for the first year teacher with ideas and advice compiled from educational literature and questionnaires completed by other first year teachers, principals, and education professors. Topics include: (1) curricular preparation; (2) physical environment of neighborhood and school; (3) school rules and regulations; (4)…

Explains the merits of "brain-compatible" learning, especially Proster Theory. Describes a pilot program at a New Jersey elementary school that transformed conventional, graded classrooms into "multi-teacher interactive learning units" that promote thinking in terms of programs and patterns. Summarizes pedagogical changes and…

Presents ideas for creating a purposeful classroom environment that will help students become strategic readers. Suggestions include using the conference table to learn about students as readers, organizing books to help children make wise choices, and creating a meeting area that invites discussion. (SM)

Suggestions are presented to increase the special education teacher's organizational efficiency, focusing on instructional planning and use of time and space as they relate to classroom organization. (JDD)

In multigrade instruction, children of at least a 2-year grade span and diverse ability levels are grouped in a single classroom and share experiences involving intellectual, academic, and social skills. "The Multigrade Classroom" is a seven-book series that provides an overview of current research on multigrade instruction, identifies…

Factors in the physical arrangement of special education classrooms that may lead to greater instructional control and structure include teacher proximity and view, separation of space, and reduction of extraneous stimuli. The issue of making classrooms more relaxed and home-like versus structuring them like regular classes to prepare students for…

This paper reviews teaching strategies that may facilitate independent performance on the part of preschool children with disabilities. Among these are environmental arrangements (schedules, staff assignment, room arrangement); antecedent prompts (instructions, time, task); peer-mediated interventions; and consequent events. (Author/DB)

Describes interventions used to enhance coping and stress management to children and adolescents. Argues that the model of stress upon which the intervention is based dictates the intervention. Implications are discussed of the acceptance of an extended Lazarus/Folkman model for interventions in schools. (CFR)

Suggested are two techniques of classroom management to help the beginning teacher. The first deals with methods of creating a classroom atmosphere more conducive to learning by making the classroom an orderly, inviting place. The second offers help to students in taking notes by providing time after students have listened attentively and…

Offers three simple strategies for storing and managing hands-on learning materials in the classroom. The strategies include a checklist of storage solutions for the materials, a description of creative hands-on learning centers, and a list of strategies for managing students' use of hands-on materials. (SM)

The paper is a description of how one teacher structured a classroom for five seriously disturbed violent boys (ages 5.5 to 8 years) at a private residential and day school for emotionally disturbed students. Anecdotes are reported as well as the teacher's reflections. Changes in the teacher's original planned class structure while maintaining the…