Difficulties of defining the attributes of a good teacher are identified through a critique of current research efforts. (GW)

Curriculum innovations and trends are examined in past, present, and future perspectives. Past curriculum innovations include team teaching, educational television, and computer assisted instruction. Present innovations include career education, ethnic education, and environmental education. Future curricular trends may include lifelong learning,…

The crisis in urban schools involves an exodus of white middle class families from the city or to private schools and a build-up of educationally disadvantaged minority students. Enrollment trends indicate that, unless appropriate action is taken, public schools will further deteriorate as they house fewer middle class students. (SM)

New research on teaching involves qualitative, or ethnographic, methods. It is highly descriptive and often relies on narrative inquiry, which is embedded with messages about power, justice, and inequality. The new research relies on language and dialogue, using metaphors, stories, biographies, autobiographies, conversations, exemplars,…

The article discusses the concept of whole-group instruction. After noting criticism of whole-group instruction, the paper examines research on the effects of class size and academic achievement, classroom tasks, altering instructional variables, and ability grouping. Fifteen practical suggestions for teaching whole groups are included. (SM)

This article identifies several reasons for demands for teacher and student accountability. Minimum competency testing of students and teachers is discussed within the context of the accountability movement, and the implications of such testing as an evaluation tool are considered. (IAH)

Certain contemporary technical advancements and social developments can influence curriculum content and delivery. Multidisciplinary conceptions and multidimensional modes of curriculum implementation may replace subject-centered focus. Although curriculum should reflect the needs of changing societies, achieving balance between integration of new…

Examines advantages and disadvantages of using textbooks as the basis for curriculum and instruction, discussing textbooks as the predominant instructional medium. The article describes attributes of good textbooks and text structures, identifies strategies for improving readers' text comprehension, and notes teachers' role as facilitators in…