A small group of teachers at one Illinois high school is helping to effect and promote change. Through the Action Research Laboratory (ARL), teams of teachers conduct collaborative action research to improve classroom practices. Data from the first two years of the ARL indicate that teachers are eager to participate in, and have thrived in, their…

This paper discusses the findings of an evaluative and interpretive study into the potential of in-service education to improve science education in Swaziland. Short-term and long-term effects of an in-service intervention are evaluated in terms of changes in classroom processes. The teaching approach of participating teachers has been monitored…

To maintain credibility, vocational teachers must be exposed to advanced technology in ways consistent with its use in their occupational specialty area, as well as contemporary techniques for using it in the delivery of instruction. The technical and teaching skills and knowledge of Indiana's vocational teachers must be continually upgraded.…

Management should provide continuing instructor training to maintain and improve both the technical competence and instructional skills of instructors. Continuing training programs should address both instructional skills and technical skills. Training organizations must be both proactive and reactive in the development of instructor continuing…

Since speech communication is experiencing numerous changes, it is useful to examine some of the causes of inadequate teaching in the field and various ways to solve the problems. Some causes of poor teaching are (1) the small value placed on university teaching compared to other criteria for tenure and promotion; (2) the classification or…

A growing movement to improve the quality of teaching has been called "faculty development." It is based on three assumptions: the primary professional activity of most faculty is teaching; instructional behaviors are learned skills, attitudes, and goals; and faculty can be taught how to improve their classroom performance. Interest in faculty…

This report discusses new staff development techniques -- interaction analysis, microteaching, and clinical supervision -- and describes new technology such as video recorders. Approaching these new techniques descriptively rather than prescriptively, the author discusses the programs of two regional laboratories -- the Far West Laboratory and the…

This publication is a collection of supportive material to aid educational personnel in planning programs for staff development and improvement. It is the result of an effort in 1973 by the Georgia Teacher Education Council's committee on staff development to devise a plan that would allow local agencies to: (1) identify student needs and the…

Instead of employing a wide variety of teaching methods in the classroom, teachers should use only a few compatible methods. To choose these methods, teachers must clarify their own beliefs about basic elements of education and must assess the appropriateness and effectiveness of various methods in particular settings. (IW)

It is fashionable to say that teaching can be the most rewarding profession there is- and it can be. Most teachers can all give examples of the pleasure of helping a child grow in knowledge and understanding, and achieve their potential. But what about the teacher? They shouldn't be excluded from the benefits of lifelong learning because of their…

This report presents guidelines for developing teacher mentoring programs. Section one examines the usefulness of mentoring for beginning teachers, looking at teacher recruitment, improvement of skills and knowledge, and guidelines for effective programs. Section two discusses the climate, context, and structure for effective mentoring,…

This book illustrates how to ask the right questions to effectively measure professional development; understand the dynamic nature of professional development; identify what contributes to improved student learning; and demonstrate results and accountability. The evaluation processes and tools recommended in this book acknowledge that if staff…

This book offers a plan for improved classroom practice through the supervisory process. It includes hands-on practices for developing a personalized supervision strategy, research-based and empirically tested strategies, field-tested tools and techniques for qualitative and quantitative observation, a comprehensive resource of traditional and…

Argues that Australian inservice education policies have unintentionally controlled and deskilled teachers. Focuses on Queensland, Australia, from 1973 to 1986. Claims teacher managerial skills are emphasized over curricular and instructional skills. Contends that teachers' professional development consequently suffers. Premises arguments on…

Describes Alberta, Canada's Initiation to Teaching Project, which addressed beginning teachers' inadequate practical skills, eased the transition to full-time professional work, and reduced teacher unemployment and underemployment. Project evaluation revealed that most participants considered it a valuable induction scheme that resulted in…