Argues that traditional instructional methods can benefit teachers interested in reflecting on their teaching practices. Presents four stories by a mathematics teacher, three examples of the application of history to mathematics lessons at the secondary level, and one example from a history course for mathematics teachers. (DDR)

Discusses the collaborative efforts of a team of elementary school and university educators working within the context of a professional development school (PDS) to foster culturally responsible pedagogy, inspire reflective practice, and enhance student performance. Concludes that the PDS experience increases teacher effectiveness and…

Defines action research in terms of science education, delineates the process, provides the rationale for research into practice, and gives an example of putting this process into action. Includes some tips for data collection and analysis. (DDR)

Data on teacher self-assessment practices were collected from 17 elementary teachers in 4 focus groups. Common themes included process and product indicators that triggered self-assessment, irrelevance of most formal teacher evaluations, lack of time for reflection and self-assessment, need for administrator and collegial support, and the nature…

Describes the development of a course at Bell College (Hamilton, Scotland) leading to teaching qualifications for college lecturers. Reviews theoretical and philosophical considerations related to teacher education in general, including technicism, reflective practice, and professional competence. Explores strategic issues for development of such…

Two beginning teachers were observed in an integrated instruction planning task. Their interpretations were studied when they worked collaboratively and when they worked independently. Data from interviews and field notes indicated that their individual planning lacked decision-choice flexibility and had limited strategy use. When they…

Examined elementary and secondary prospective teachers' perceptions of the ways in which their experiences as tutors in school-based tutoring programs influenced their professional development. Data from surveys, reflective papers, and individual and focus group interviews revealed five main ways they perceived the tutoring experience contributed…

Maps the intersection of cultural diversity, reflective teaching, and moral value, synthesizing them into a consistent model and exploring implications for teaching and teacher education. This model of reflection is phronesis, the virtue of thought that permits correct reasoning in decisions involving virtues of character. Illustrated by stories…

Offers critical reflection as a prelude to creating culturally relevant teaching strategies, outlining theoretical and practical considerations for critical reflection and culturally relevant teaching for teacher education and asserting that the development of culturally relevant teaching strategies is contingent upon critical reflection about…

Presents an interview with Mem Fox, a teacher educator and children's book author well known throughout the world. Discusses writing books for children, and the mistakes she made early in her career as a writer. Notes that Mem is a tireless advocate for meaningful literacy instruction, and her "Radical Reflections: Passionate Opinions on Teaching,…

Reviews theories of teacher education and describes a model of practice teaching designed to facilitate teachers' reflection on their experiences. Suggests that this reflective practice allows teachers to understand collaborative teaching and represents an opportunity for professional liberation and development. Describes experiences from…

Argues that student teacher portfolios are a viable, effective, appropriate tool for documenting teacher growth and development and for promoting reflective practice. Traces the unique paths of two pre-service foreign language teachers who constructed a professional identity from the historical and cultural conditions of their classroom…

Explores the idea of critically reflective teaching in general, and in particular, teacher decision-making and classroom assessment. Asserts that in community college settings-the ultimate in diverse, open-entry, mixed-ability classrooms-critical reflection on core assumptions can ground teachers in a moral, intellectual, and political vision of…

Illustrates Exploratory practice (EP), a form of practitioner research, in action in two classrooms in Brazil. Examines a key mechanism of EP--puzzlement--and presents two different puzzling processes. (VWL)

Examines the puzzlement processes of Exploratory practice (EP) to shed light on the interactive workings of an EP group, and in particular the threats to sustainability that emerged. Reports a discourse analytic inquiry into the nature of the decisions taken and the decision-making process employed at the EP group meetings at a professional…