Reports on a study of an improvisation curriculum used with 66 fifth-grade music students. Finds that students who received instruction emphasizing improvisation performed at significantly higher achievement levels than students who did not receive such instruction. (CFR)

School staff needs training in computer use. Training design must acknowledge issues facing staff developers (how to conceptualize technology-based teaching, at what level technology-based teaching occurs, how teachers adapt in ways consistent with specific features of technology, and how technology-based classroom activities acknowledge the way…

Microcomputers in education are only valuable if there is software to stimulate each specific student. Teachers must understand each student's learning style then use computer software to meet individual needs. Students should become aware of their individual learning preferences and apply specific techniques to acquire knowledge more efficiently.…

This study investigated the extent of computer integration in a field experience during preservice teacher education. Surveys indicated preservice teachers neither observed computer use nor used computers instructional tools during the field experience. They reported a willingness to use computers but received no support in the field experience.…

Examines recent research into gender differences in learning styles and presents a case for creating effective collaborative learning experiences for female students, thus minimizing the alienation and disadvantage that many women and girls experience in a computer environment. A checklist for creating gender equitable learning environments is…

Recounts one school of education's attempt to follow guidelines suggested by the International Society for Technology Education in preparing preservice educators to use computers effectively. The article addresses the ongoing professional development of teachers and makes suggestions for those involved in developing a technological component to…

This study investigated how teachers in two school systems, at different levels of instructional computer competence, thought about and used computers to support instruction. Survey results indicated teachers in both systems, at both levels, had similar perceptions of what it took to become effective instructional computer users. (SM)

Explores guidelines developed by the International Society for Technology in Education (and adopted by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education) for preparing teachers in educational computing and information technologies, presenting documented instances where the standards have been helpful in developing programs and promoting…

Project Prometheus involves IBM Canada, college faculty, and classroom teachers in Manitoba who cooperate to discover the most effective ways to use information technology to promote mathematics and science literacy. The article analyzes teachers' very positive perceptions of how technology affected their classroom teaching styles and learning…

In an effort to understand current perceptions about secondary school physical education, the article reviews pertinent literature and identifies three overarching themes (restructuring and reform of secondary physical education, curriculum and instruction, and contextual factors in the secondary school setting). (SM)

A study examined high school physical education (PE) specialists' perspectives of the contextual factors that influenced the culture of their workplace: career choice and purposes; workloads, routines, and challenges; status of PE; and collegial interactions. Results from surveys, interviews, and observations are presented. (SM)

Study described how rules, routines, and expectations for students entering high school physical education programs were established, noting disciplinary action and teachers' perceptions of discipline. Surveys, interviews, and observations indicated teachers did not perceive major classroom discipline problems, and they saw rules, regulations, and…

Analyzes high school physical educators' work from curricular and instructional perspectives, suggesting that the ecology of instructional physical education (PE) cannot be understood without examining how PE is embedded within school ecology. PE is unlikely to achieve prominent status in schools if it continues to be delivered in traditional…

Study investigated accountability task structures related to high school physical educators' systematic evaluation, formal assessment, and objective grading procedures. Research found inconsistencies between what teachers reported in writing and the content of student assessment and what they emphasized to students and actually assessed. Many…

Reports a study that examined the attitudes of high school students and their parents toward their physical education (PE) programs. Questionnaire data indicated students were not overwhelmingly supportive of PE. Most parents were not active, and they did not perceive PE to be as critical as traditional academic subjects. (SM)