The data received from a survey conducted in six Georgia school districts, partners in the Georgia Systemic Teacher Education Program (GSTEP) is examined and used to help create support and professional development for new teachers. The building of collaborative structures that offer new teachers the chance to interact with more experienced…

As universities transform into enterprises, academics are facing new challenges, especially in their teaching. This is because of the demands for student-centred programmes that offer more flexibility, the use of Course Management Systems such as "Blackboard," and the expectation that instructors will perform (more) efficiently and effectively. In…

Educators often overlook the largest body of evidence of student performance: student work. With careful and deliberate examination of various sources of student work, teachers can gather a wealth of information about student achievement and about their own instructional practices. Examining student work is not about grading or scoring papers. It…

It is argued in this book that postsecondary instructors have to improve their performance in the classroom not only by achieving a better understanding of how teachers teach, but also of how learners learn. Most postsecondary teachers are well trained in their disciplines, but few have received formal training in how to teach or have acquired an…

This ongoing project, which involves the videotaping of classroom events, is being conducted in order to: (1) build a collection of videotape records of excellent instruction in selected classrooms and in various curriculum areas while maintaining the natural flow of classroom activities; (2) enable teachers and student teachers to collect…

A review of research literature on the effective teaching of basic skills in secondary education and a description of a model staff development program provide guidelines for school administrators in improving teachers' skills. The literature identifies both classroom- and school-level factors influencing teacher effectiveness. Classroom factors…

This book was designed to be read by new teachers. The first section is devoted to a description of the Montgomery County Public Schools' new teacher orientation program, a program based on a self-improvement strategy. The program description places the emphasis on microteaching; there are weekly group meetings with a leader, but as time…

Describes a staff development model currently being used in an elementary school. It is an active approach that looks at professional growth as critical to effective instruction. It views the teacher as a learner in his or her own right and believes that the systematic improvement of instruction is a school wide concern. (Author/RK)

In the context of mainstreaming handicapped students into the vocational classroom, the author presents legislative information for vocational educators and discusses current skills. He concludes by describing a workshop designed to meet the needs of these teachers. (BM)

Experimental teachers receiving feedback concerning teaching skill were more effective than control teachers in controlling their own behavior and reducing learner inattention. The experimental teachers were also more effective in their ability to diagnose more often, to employ appropriate diagnostic procedures, and to assist students in mastering…

For those involved with faculty development and improving teaching quality, new literature is available which describes and evaluates programs, gives suggestions, and reports current research. (JD)

This article provides a self-appraisal form which can be used to inspire and rejuvenate teaching performance. Its ultimate goal is to improve teaching skills, either in general or in a particular area. Appropriate references for further reading are given. A sidebar includes one teacher's evaluation of the form and its usefulness. (JL)

Identifies four conditions which cause merit pay systems to fail to increase teacher performance: lack of skills, the poor timing of rewards, an inability to measure performance; and competing reinforcers. Explains why organizational culture is a more effective mediator of rewards. (SD)

Reports on some growth points in the use of microteaching techniques. (Editor)

This brochure offers answers to questions for teachers about National Board Certification, including: what the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) is; what National Board Certification (NBC) is; how involved teachers are in NBPTS; NBPTS' five core propositions; the NBPTS standards; how NBPTS standards are developed; whether…