In an online class, students need instruction, incentive, and structure to ensure substantive levels of interaction and participation. This article provides tips that can keep online students fully engaged with one another, so that no one feels as though they are in "a classroom of one."

Teacher organization is a crucial part of classroom functioning; however, its relation to student achievement has not been investigated as extensively as that of instruction. In this study, organization is defined as the amount of time teachers spend explaining the purpose and procedures of learning activities and daily routines. Data from…

The difference between teachers whose classes run smoothly and teachers whose classes are out of control is that the effective teachers speak carefully, take time to give examples, and articulate reasons. Checklists are provided for developing a classroom management plan to reinforce productive behavior and rule out problems. (MT)

In her previous books, "Literacy Work Stations and Practice with Purpose," Debbie Diller showed teachers how to productively occupy the "rest of the class" while meeting with small groups. Now Debbie turns her attention to the groups themselves and the teacher's role in small-group instruction. "Making the Most of Small Groups" grapples with…

Advice, activities, and techniques for getting the first days and weeks of school off to a smooth start are offered in this compilation of six articles taken from issues of "Instructor" (Aug.-Sep. 1976, Aug. 1980, Aug. 1982, Aug. 1983), "Learning" (Sept. 1982), and "Teacher" (Sept. 1979), magazines. Suggestions for…

Demonstrates two projects used to create a connected classroom. Acting as a facilitator rather than an authority, the instructor encourages students to use their own experiences and ideas. Data show these strategies lead to more student involvement and higher course ratings. (Author/NL)

Describes the use of a biology guidebook which contains a course outline, syllabus, reading list, handouts, and sample tests all bound together in booklet form for better organization and teacher effectiveness. (RT)

The six editions of this newsletter provide a forum for the sharing of research findings and instructional strategies by faculty of Western Michigan University on issues connected with critical thinking. Topics addressed include alternative program designs for critical thinking instruction, a philosophical exploration of what critical thinking is,…

This guide for primary school teachers presents commonly asked questions and answers. Chapter 1, "How Do I Set Up My Classroom?" discusses desk and furniture arrangement. Chapter 2, "How Do I Survive the First Days of School?" offers tips for meeting and greeting students, establishing routines, and presenting activities.…

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)

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…

This handbook was developed for teachers who have a visually handicapped child in their regular classroom. Classroom activities designed to prepare students to receive a visually handicapped classmate are described. Recommendations are made on the use of special resources available to the teacher, and descriptions are given of successful…

At the University of Minnesota, a course entitled "Extension Methods for Ag Production in Developing Countries" has integrated "team" into the instructional plan. Graduate/upper division domestic and foreign students from across departments in the College of Agriculture and from throughout the university enroll. Students apply to be a member of a…

This teacher's guide from the New York City public schools is designed to help teachers implement an all-day kindergarten program. Planning for the all-day kindergarten is developed and demonstrated through a thematic approach which integrates all curriculum areas. Six themes are presented, each of which includes both direct instruction activities…

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)