In this study, the implementation effects of a staff development program on cooperative learning (CL) for Dutch elementary school teachers were studied. A pre-test-post-test non-equivalent control group design was used to investigate program effects on the instructional behaviours of teachers. Based on observations of teacher behaviour during…

Focuses on the effects of a program that taught cooperating teachers at the primary school level in the Netherlands coaching skills for teachers-in-training. Reports that the trained cooperating teachers were not rated higher than the untrained teachers, but the cooperating teachers saw the coaching conferences as positive for their own teaching…

Examines teachers' use of and students' reactions to cooperative learning, and the quality of the group cooperation from a sample of Dutch primary schools. Reports that students' social skills, on-task behavior, and self-esteem improved, while students reported a positive attitude toward cooperative learning. Includes references. (CMK)

Investigates the effects of a pre-service training course for secondary education teachers in the Netherlands. The training course featured two direct instructional models: executive acting, directed at well-structured skills, and strategic acting, directed at higher-level thinking strategies. Observation revealed significantly more effective…

Results showed hardly any differences in time-on-task behavior between third and fourth grade pupils in mixed age single age mathematics and language arts classes in the Netherlands. Students in mixed age classes spent more time working individually. The ability level of the students had little impact on time-on-task behavior. (Author/RM)

Describes and assesses the effectiveness of a staff development program for Dutch teachers in mixed-age classes as it relates to areas of classroom management, instruction, and pupils' on-task behavior. Results of the quasi-experimental, treatment-control group investigation showed that the training program was an effective staff development tool.…

Investigated how students and teachers in mixed-age classes spent their learning time during reading, language arts, and mathematics. No significant differences between single- and multi-aged classes was found. Concludes that teachers found working in mixed-age classes very difficult, with most working as if they were teaching two different…

Urges in-service education and training (INSET) participants to be well informed of goals and involved in planning. Concludes that most participants are positive about the activities' design and execution despite extensive criticism about the value of INSET. Presents data about program participants' and trainers' opinions and beliefs about…

Reports on a study of 350 student teachers and the use of a preservice training course on effective instruction. Findings indicate that student teachers who used the recommended instructional methods elicited more student engagement and were rated higher by student teaching supervisors. (CFR)

Presents the findings of a six-year staff development program for multigrade teachers. Discovers a significant increase in the time on task levels of the pupils and the instructional and classroom management skills of the teachers. Discusses the implications of, and problems with, the study. (MJP)