A survey of 900 Nottinghamshire primary teachers showed that, although they have great freedom in structuring their classes, most of those dealing with children over seven opt for highly traditional teaching methods. Survey results on class organization, class size, use of aides, and preferred instructional materials are summarized. (SJL)

This paper reviews selected research studies of multigrade classrooms in Canada, Finland, eight developing nations (India, Korea, Maldives, Nepal, Thailand, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia), and the United States. Based on information about the perceptions of multigrade instruction of principals and teachers, the following issues are…

How teachers' incentives affect the way they go about their work is the subject of this report. Data (originally collected for another related study by the author) were obtained through classroom and nonclassroom observations and teacher interviews. The report consists primarily of a comparison of the teaching of two teachers. Material from lesson…

This study compared the perceptions of 227 ninth- and tenth-grade students with learning disabilities in regular and special secondary classrooms. Students' perceptions of their classroom environment and their social competence were assessed. Results showed that students with learning disabilities perceived regular classes as being better…

Presents a case study of three experienced teachers' perceptions of appropriate approaches for management of their classroom environments, comparing their views to those of their students. Data from interviews and questionnaires highlighted differences in teachers' decision making about classroom environment which related to pedagogic style. There…

This report, drawing on data from a teacher survey, summarizes methods for the effective selection of students and teaching strategies for combination classrooms (CC). A CC is defined as having two or more grade levels in one classroom. A total of 256 CC elementary school teachers completed a questionnaire, including participants of a Combination…

This paper examines the methods used in designing school and classroom environments. The tools are labeled: (1) discipline-centered schooling; (2) empirical-naturalistic schooling; and (3) great works schooling. First, the outline endeavors to reveal the essential elements of the three tools that represent images, structures, or "maps" of…

A total of 20 first- and second-grade classrooms were observed to determine the nature of their behavior settings, and to ascertain teacher goals and values implicit in the classroom organization. Observation revealed strong differences among subject areas in both time allotment and variety of resources and activities. Language arts occupied the…

An overview is presented of research findings on how teacher expectations of student performance may alter the ways that teachers treat students, and the possible negative effects of such differential treatment on the behavior and learning of students for whom the teacher holds low expectations. A discussion follows on the teaching implications of…

Using a case study approach, this report summarizes a teacher's observations of students working on a personal computer in both classroom and nonclassroom settings. The first section addresses teacher concerns about technology in education, such as fear of replacement by a computer and other symptoms of computer anxiety. Four phases of classroom…

In a small secondary school in rural Georgia, this study sought to identify sample classrooms perceived by students and teachers as varying substantially in environmental robustness and to observe these classrooms to describe and contrast their structural features. Identified characteristics of high- and low-robustness classrooms are listed and…

Seven combined or multi-grade classes, ranging from grades 2 to 5, were the focus of a qualitative, naturalistic inquiry. In each of the four elementary schools visited for the study, the decision to have combined classes had been made shortly before school started for administrative reasons. The study sought to determine the manner in which the…

A group composed of 124 classroom teachers, reading teachers, and graduate students in reading specialization programs participated in a study that examined how teachers select and use information in judging students' probable performance in reading groups. Each subject read two case studies (one describing a boy with social problems but no…

This study compared cognitive, social, and affective progress of students in a multi-graded classroom and a single-graded classroom. Participating were teachers in kindergarten/first, first, and second grade classrooms and a random sample of their students at two suburban Virginia schools. Five teachers taught in single-graded classrooms and one…

Physical education teachers who want to be fair to all students may discover some ways teachers speak or act is discriminatory. Some items that teachers who want to treat students as fairly as possible should consider include class organization, teaching style, teacher-student interaction, teacher language, role models, and equipment. (SM)