This study used case studies to examine the biographies of three first-year teachers to determine how individual perception of the teaching role impacts professional development during the first year of teaching. Results indicated that beginning teachers can be active agents in controlling the direction of biography and social structures in the…

Examines the nature and attributes of reflective practitioners, necessary characteristics of reflective practitioners, and the role of university faculty in educational foundations and philosophy of education in preparing reflective practitioners. Argues that reflective practice in schools is philosophy of education at its best. (SM)

Interviews with 26 late-entry teachers ascertained key points in their life histories that affected their career choices. Four main patterns emerged, with the common thread across the classifications being the tendency to view teaching principally as a means of enhancing self-efficacy or other aspects of personal satisfaction. (SM)

School exclusion is problematic in all developing countries. To achieve UNICEF's "Education for All," there must be simple, easily explicable organizational structures. The article rethinks the where and when of school organization to propose a spatial concept for a nonexcluding school that is applicable to any setting. (SM)

This study investigated conditions for optimizing college students' analogical problem solving. Students given pictorial (not verbal) representations of solutions to source problems were better problem solvers, as were students given a longer time. Students who derived personal solution principles to source problems were not superior to students…

This study attempted to extend previous research in teacher education by examining the development of preservice elementary teachers' perspectives and practice of social studies from the beginning of the methods instruction through the clinical experience, specifically examining the roles of the methods instruction and the cooperating teacher. (SM)

This study examined possible predictors of feelings of alienation from school in elementary and middle school students who completed surveys in 1991. Results indicated that gender and school variables were the most consistent predictors of alienation. The study did not wholly support the theory that alienation is a steady developmental process.…

State documents relating to assisting and assessing teachers were analyzed to determine the major areas and the levels of state control represented in these areas. A review of documents from all 50 states highlights the rapid growth in state mandates regarding teacher evaluation over the last 10 years. (SLD)

Potential instructor and student gender interaction in student ratings of faculty across different university colleges of study were studied through 29,519 completed student questionnaires. The relationship of gender differences in ratings to the particular college shows no predictable pattern. The impact of gender differences at other levels is…

A multimethod study encouraged teachers, aided by supervisors, to examine their own teaching practices by viewing and discussing videotapes of their interactions with students. Results with four elementary school teachers, eight supervisors, and two observers indicate that the approach may facilitate teacher change and enhance effectiveness. (SLD)

An overview is provided of the nature of reflective practice as presented in pedagogical literature and of the necessary characteristics of the reflective practitioner in an educational context. Implications for the evaluation of classroom teachers are explored, and suggestions for further research are offered. (SLD)

Data from 9,727 college students (sophomore through senior years) generally support the interpretation of the Professional Knowledge Test of the NTE battery as a measure of knowledge of teaching gained through teacher education courses. The other two core battery tests are less reflective of knowledge acquired in teacher education. (SLD)

The state board in Victoria, Australia, is beginning to collect data on adult education, measuring student contact hours and their ratio to costs. The quantitative data are being used for a variety of planning purposes. (SK)

Because public organizations have multiple stakeholders, any change decisions must consider impact on each group. Because most organizations respond to rather than initiate change, proactive methods are not enough. Situational ethics come into play. (SK)

Explores ways in which educational institutions may undertake market research, using case studies from various educational situations. Recommends market research for long-range planning and marketing activities. (SK)