Currently, the technical approach to curriculum and instruction in physical education is dominant. The key features of this approach are: the use of behavioral objectives in planning programs and instructional episodes; selection of subject matter and teaching strategies based on intended learning outcomes; and assessment of behavioral outcomes…

The History Academy for Ohio Teachers provided 40 Ohio teachers with an intense 4-week summer immersion in world and U.S. history and in historical theory and methods that was followed by a year-long follow up program on teaching units. Working together with college based historians, a new model was developed to help educators improve the teaching…

Combining the expansion of cultural literacy with the development of process-based writing, this book addresses each stage of the writing process, with emphasis on the recursive and overlapping nature of these stages. Numerous related model activities at the end of each chapter show how to develop the writing process, while expanding the writer's…

The aim of this project is to increase teacher education students' understanding of the learning process by focusing on their own learning experiences. In 1990, 67 preservice teacher education students in 4 classes completed measures of academic locus of control, perceived competencies in self-directed learning, and study processes before and…

This paper compares the professional beliefs and teaching behaviors of traditional and nontraditional/adult teacher candidates during their student teaching experience. Data for the study came from 45 elementary student teachers' structured, weekly autobiographical critical reflections written during their student teaching. Participants were…

Developed by classroom teachers during the development phase of Minnesota's Graduation Standards, this performance package is made up of locally designed assignments that, taken together, show whether a student has learned and can apply the knowledge and skills related to interpret and evaluate complex works of music, dance, theater, visual arts,…

High school students' lack of personal responsibility and academic ownership, negative or indifferent attitude, and lack of initiative and general motivation are often of concern to teachers and parents. This action research project evaluated an intervention to increase high school students' motivation, responsibility, and initiative. Students…

An effective language arts tool for teachers, especially those who teach at-risk, alternative, and special education students, this guidebook is designed to inspire even the most reluctant writers. The guide is organized so that journal topics are followed by non-revealing, non-threatening exercises to introduce writing as a means of expression…

This paper examines the viability of journal writing as a distance education teaching technique designed to provide deeper understanding and mastery of curriculum content in graduate level education courses. In creating optimal learning experiences, four different types of journal writing can be utilized in various types of distance learning…

Examines some innovative change strategies developed at Missouri Western State College to blend content and pedagogy in teacher education programs. Focuses on two independent measures used to evaluate the effectiveness of curriculum changes: National Teachers Exam scores and scores given to first-year teachers on principal evaluations. Both…

Reports on a teaching method that combined assigned daily newspaper readings with weekly informal journal writing to teach basic sociological concepts. Assigned journal topics acted as a link between class material, the newspaper stories, and other texts. Student response was overwhelmingly enthusiastic. Provides several examples of the journal…

Describes a mentoring project involving a university teacher educator and three elementary teachers. Examines what they learned about the power of focused observation, writing, and practice-centered talk to promote teacher learning. Journal excerpts show the project's progress and reflect concerns participants had as they determined how to work…

A French teacher's journal notes about his experience as a student in an intensive English course in a foreign country are presented. The notes address aspects of the language learning experience, including unfamiliar cultural context, intrusion of the new language into daily thought, resistance, translation, interference, and motivation. (MSE)

Suggests using daily journals to fuse language experience techniques with opportunities for independent writing more characteristic of an emergent literacy perspective. Explains that journals combine group dictation with independent writing to involve children in purposeful literacy activities. (MG)

Examines the characteristics and classroom performance of underachieving high school English students, and explores ways to respond to their special needs in the English classroom. Focuses on communication and writing through dialogue journals, and discipline through behavior modification techniques. (MM)