The concept of knowledge utilization and the nature of practical decisions are analyzed to investigate how research knowledge and effective teaching practice are related. It is argued that the personal commitments of teachers, common sense, and normative requirements can also be valid bases for action. The author points out that an over-reliance…

This study examined 665 elementary and secondary teachers with different levels of experience to discover differences and similarities in selected teaching behaviors. Of the 57 behaviors, 16 were clustered into teacher response to student response to a question or to a student initiation. Sixteen related to teacher response to inattentive or…

This study gathered information from 94 first-year teachers (graduates of Memorial University, Newfoundland, Canada) regarding their attitudes towards teaching, methodological and technical competencies, and the adequacy of their teacher preparation. The teachers were asked to give background information that included degree received, type of…

Faculty and administrators in nine Consortium schools in the Springdale and Fayetteville school districts in Arkansas were polled to determine their opinions on various topics concerning teacher education. The return rate was approximately 42 percent, comprising 1,172 teachers and administrators. The specific purpose of the poll was to obtain…

A pilot study of 13 preservice and 4 inservice teachers collected and analyzed data regarding how they progressed from early field experience through elementary school physical education. Results indicated that teachers improved their teaching effectiveness as they practiced teaching and were properly monitored with definite goals set. (CB)

The relationship between the style, trait anxiety, and experience of professors and students' grades was investigated using Fiedler's contingency theory. Results indicated professors' trait anxiety is significant influencing student grades; professors having a high Least Preferred co-worker score assigned grades negatively correlated related with…

The organization and content of subject matter knowledge of arithmetic teachers was explored. Experienced and beginning fourth grade teachers were observed. They were evaluated on their lessons to teach fractions. Implications of their knowledge differences were discussed. (DWH)

Reports research on the effects of factors such as teacher abilities and background on teaching proficiency. (Editor)

This study aimed to explain prospective teachers' anxiety about teaching in relation to their teaching efficacy beliefs and prior teaching experiences. Participants included 27 preservice teachers. Three instruments were used: Student Teacher Anxiety Scale (STAS), Prior Experiences in Teaching Questionnaire (PETQ), and Teachers' Sense of Efficacy…

Observation, in-depth structured and unstructured interviews, and open-ended questionnaires were used to determine what being a teacher means to 35 public school teachers. Results focus on teachers' skills and development related to instructional mastery, classroom control, and social relations with students. (JN)

The quality of an educational institution is determined by the quality of its faculty. The first professional position will mold the attitudes and abilities of the young professor. Recently, new professors were surveyed as to their experiences as novices, and their responses are discussed. (JN)

Describes one quantitative educational researcher's experiences teaching qualitative research, the approach used in classes, and the successes and failures. These experiences are examined from the viewpoint of a traditionally trained professor who has now been called upon to master and teach qualitative research. (GR)

Because teachers teach who they are, teacher formation should encourage them to become whole by developing into wise, mature, competent, and humane adults. Training programs that focus on "teaching" teachers and the isolation and constraints of the teaching experience itself inhibit teachers from becoming whole human beings. (LP)

Presents results of a study in which music teachers and students with varying levels of experience and expertise evaluated musical performances. Finds differences in subjects with high levels of expertise are a result of more than experience. Concludes that developing an accurate measure for expertise would aid in obtaining the best role models as…

States that teaching is a practice that aims to develop relationships between the mature and immature where the good teacher can balance the personal and impersonal dimensions of contact with students. Considers different experiences with students that concern the opportunities and dangers of conversation in a school. (CMK)