Reviews the basic tenets of educator Haim Ginnot's theories about teacher behavior and classroom communication as the most influential element that contributes to children's behavior in the classroom, as teachers consistently demonstrate and model positive communication, behaviors, and relationships. Explains several of Ginnot's essential ideas…

There are four elements which the author has found to be essential for success when designing and conducting staff development programs: awareness, application, implementation, and maintenance. Each of these elements is discussed in detail, followed by the warning that the four-phase model requires school board commitment to insure its success.…

Examines cooperative learning as a learning strategy that encourages an active, participatory process among students. Discusses the benefits of using cooperative learning, including increased achievement, more positive attitudes toward learning, increased student self-esteem, and improved race relations. (SR)

Outlines the contributions to multicultural situations that can be made by techniques of cooperative learning. Suggests practical ways that educators can use cooperative learning to reap these benefits. (HB)

Discusses the pedagogical implications of "reflective teaching," which include a respect for teachers' ongoing professional growth (beyond learning more "things to do"), a mutually beneficial dialogue between elements of theory and practice, and a potential for more critically deliberative classroom practices. (SR)

Argues for the increased use of cooperative learning within student groups with regard to test review. Provides data from two research projects that support the contention that cooperative test review improves student achievement. Suggests methods for implementing cooperative test review. (HB)

Describes the use of learning contracts in developmental reading classes. Outlines the basic tenets of contract design, and provides details and examples of non-negotiable, partially negotiable, and more negotiable contracts. Notes the possible gains of an independent/self-monitored approach and offers several management tips and cautions. (MM)

Suggests a technique for use in teaching science students how to gather and analyze statistical data. (FL)

Finds the motivational profiles of five groups of students (three indigenous minority groups and two nonindigenous groups) rather than being significantly different, had much in common. Notes that important predictors of a range of school achievement criteria were goals relating to students' self-esteem at school, sense of purpose, striving for…

Suggests that teachers can use a number of strategies to cope with the daily challenges of teaching and increase their effectiveness in an inclusive environment. Discusses using peer tutors, implementing cooperative learning, and applying reverse-inclusion techniques to provide successful learning for all students. (RS)

Points out that advocates of cooperative learning frequently operate as if cooperation was better than both competition and individual work. Argues that educators should seek to empower students to engage in the best, most humanly evolved, most moral forms of all three. (MS)

Reviews literature on critical thinking and physical education. Suggests that students in physical education classes are predisposed to critical thinking, but only in an environment that is carefully structured. Argues that teachers must shift from teacher-centered to more student-centered lessons. Discusses the role of the teacher, cooperative…

This article focuses on one element of staff development, and applies to classroom observation an interactive process between staff developer and teacher that leads to a better understanding and acceptance of individual teaching styles. The emphasis is on professional growth rather than on institutional regulation. (Author/KC)

Notes that effective planning is essential if films and videotapes are to enhance classroom instruction. Suggests guidelines for their use, including: (1) how films and videotapes can be effective; (2) pre-lesson, presentation, post-lesson and enrichment activities; and (3) selection, preparation, and presentation techniques. (NH)

Presents a short overview of individualization, stressing one method of achieving it; makes a statement about the importance of computers in society; and presents one element of computer study--computer literacy--using an individual approach to both teaching and learning. (FL)