Classroom studies indicate that turn-taking--when a teacher asks a question or assigns a reading turn, the child responds, and the teacher reinforces or corrects--is the format of most school lessons. The problem with this format is that it emphasizes pupil response without providing for teacher explanation and the other forms of substantive…

A survey of fifty-one elementary school teachers in Chicago regarding their feelings about inservice meetings indicated that: (1) a majority of teachers believed that the objectives of such meetings were not clearly defined; (2) they reported that there was no follow-up or evaluation of the meetings; (3) they generally felt that the meetings were…

The inservice teacher education course described is designed to aid the elementary school teacher to either help install a career education program or enrich such a program already established. Included in this descriptive report is an outline of the scope and sequencing of topics contained in the modules, activities, and resources involved in use…

The Excellence in Elementary Education (EEE) program provides a number of interdependent experiences aimed at optimizing the quality and availability of professional growth opportunities for persons specializing in elementary education: prospective teachers, inservice teachers, prospective teacher educators, and inservice teacher educators. The…

Describes how "critical incidents" that occur in the classroom can help teachers address their preconceived notions about learning and teaching, about knowledge, and about what counts as legitimate reading and writing. (HTH)

Teachers at a Larchmont, New York, school have developed an approach to self-analysis through videotaped observations. All participants said the program met their needs for professional growth, and interview data suggest that the program can alleviate some of the isolation that plagues teachers. (MLF)

Presents baseline data about the existing state of elementary school teachers knowledge of physical science. A teacher questionnaire and physical science test were administered to participants (N=333) of a physical science inservice training program in Arizona. Results revealed inadequacies in teachers' knowledge of physical science and the…

Twenty teachers were selected to teach 20 elementary classes a science lesson featuring laboratory experience in small groups. Ten teachers were alerted to the possibilities of sexism in the physical sciences. Results indicated girls in mixed-sex work groups participate less when the teacher is less aware of sexism problems. (Author/CH)

This study examined how the needs of beginning teachers, teaching context, and the New Jersey District Induction Program affected beginning teacher induction success. This program compels districts to implement an induction program for traditionally prepared teachers during their first teaching year. From the 18 Bergen County (New Jersey) school…

This paper presents a comparative analysis of three teacher educators using a curriculum--Developing Mathematical Ideas--designed to serve elementary school teachers in an inquiry group setting. The aim of the study was to examine the processes and demands of supporting teachers' learning and their efforts to reform their practices. Data…

This study examined characteristics of elementary teachers who used the arts regularly in class, including their attitudes toward art and children, perceptions and definitions of the artistic parts of their lives and teaching, their reconciliation of time spent in arts activities with external pressures for test preparation and standardized…

Focuses on student-teacher interaction in one classroom. Discusses different methods for conducting informal classroom research, connecting classroom practices with current theories, and analyzing and interpreting classroom events to improve instruction and learning. (HTH)

Describes a resource center where teachers of the gifted can explore new teaching methods, create materials and curricula, assist other teachers in developing classroom techniques, and create a unique learning opportunity for teachers of gifted children. (MA)

Reports a case study in which Hong Kong elementary teachers were introduced to a new curriculum approach for designing and teaching General Studies. This collaborative approach to professional development emphasized teacher participation in the change process. Overall, this professional development strategy was feasible, and teachers conducted…

Describes a project to determine how teachers can best implement new ideas and strategies learned at staff development programs by using peer coaching as a follow-up to training. The project, based on an understanding of the usefulness of mathematics manipulatives, increased teachers' use of a new teaching strategy. (SM)