Presents a collection of quotes by famous people about reading for enjoyment and personal development. The collection was assembled from a lifetime of fond association with books and reading by the rare-book librarian at the State Library in Berlin, who after Hitler's rise, relocated to the United States and founded the Bettmann Archive in New…

Reviews consequences of the shift in emphasis from content knowledge to pedagogical method within teacher education. Identifies three forms (propositional, case study, and strategic) in which knowledge about content, pedagogy, and curriculum may be organized. Describes implications for teacher education and examination process and content. (KH)

Describes how an English teacher in a Queens, New York, ghetto school introduced her grade nine students to Charles Dickens's "Great Expectations." Focuses on students' responses, which eventually became enthusiastic, and discusses the use of classics within the curriculum. (KH)

Argues that the prevalent use of textbook and teachers' guide packages is one of the greatest factors responsible for the current ills affecting teaching. Administrators have too frequently insisted on the slavish use of these prefabricated materials, which reflects a deprofessionalized image of teaching. (KH)

Addresses the concern that with neither the time needed to get together, nor a common curriculum to focus on, most teachers are left to reinvent the wheel, alone, in thousands of separate classrooms. The author offers two initiatives designed to correct the problem. (GR)

Describes teacher/student feedback that is constructive and empowers the student to do more and feel good about what he or she has accomplished. Teachers' questions are answered concerning the amount of praise given, its effect on the class overall, and pitfalls. Three narratives are offered as examples of effective praise and criticism. (GR)

Presents a brief comparison of three countries (Wales and England, France, Germany) and their examination systems for college-bound students. Portions of examinations are provided as well as country profiles that describe the role the exam plays in that country's educational system. The report is excerpted from a larger work involving a…

Discusses the inaccuracies and distortions found within the Portland Baseline Essays, one of the most widespread Afrocentric teacher resource materials in use. Specific distortions examined are that ancient Egypt was a Black nation and that the achievements of ancient Greece had African origins. (GLR)

A recent survey found that the practice of assigning teachers to teach subjects for which they hold neither endorsements nor certificates is widespread in many States. This practice hurts both students and teachers and ultimately damages the image of education. (GC)

Presents excerpts from "Becoming a Nation of Readers," a recent publication that synthesizes current knowledge regarding the process of learning to read. (GC)

Argues that professionalization is needed to help teachers improve their status and attain better compensation and a greater voice in decision making. Calls for a national teacher examination; expanding choice for parents, students, and teachers; a professional teacher board; a different kind of career ladder; and restructuring the delivery of…

A multimedia approach to education can be more effective than using a single, isolated medium. It encourages students to develop skills that print alone doesn't and enables educators to boost the value of media children are being exposed to anyway. Furthermore, the electronic media have strong motivational qualities for children. (KH)

Videodiscs offer a variety of new learning possibilities. To realize their potential, several steps must be taken: (1) new design and development programs must be experimented with; (2) teachers must be given time and training to master their use; and (3) their effectiveness in various levels of education must be evaluated carefully. (KH)

Describes the experiences to two junior high school teachers who set out to learn how to apply videodisc technology in a remedial reading course. Reports that the videodiscs are easy to use and highly adaptable to particular purposes. (KH)

Argues that writing instruction should begin as early as kindergarten. Suggests that learning how to write occurs best not in traditional classrooms but when the classroom is turned into a workshop, where the process of planning, writing, and revising is honored. (KH)