WHAT'S NEW - JANUARY 2002

TEACHING QUALITY

The theme for this month will be of interest to teachers who are seeking to improve the quality of their teaching and to members of the education community who want to better understand the complex dimensions of effective teaching. This site makes available scholarly information, practical guidance, and useful tips related to quality teaching. The first two sections collate information from books and peer-reviewed articles. The last section identifies several weblinks that address the topic.

JOURNAL ARTICLES

Title:		Multimodels of teacher effectiveness: Implications for research.
Source:		Journal of Educational Research. (1999). Vol. 92. Issue 3, Pages 141-150.
Author(s):		Cheng, Yin C; Tsui, Kwok.
Abstract:		This journal article presents seven models that may be used to analyze the complex notion of teacher effectiveness. The seven models outlined in the paper consider effectiveness from various perspectives: goal and task; resource utilization; working process; school constituencies satisfaction; accountability; absence of problems; and, continuous learning. Each model represents a perspective that describes certain factors, which are closely related to teachers' performance and contribution in a school's organizational context. Research implications of the models also are noted.
ISSN:		0022-0671
Title:		Redefining teacher excellence.
Source:		Theory into Practice. (1999). Vol. 38. Issue 1, Pages 2-8.
Author(s):		Collison, Vivienne.
Abstract:		This journal article offers insights into the knowledge, skills and dispositions needed by beginning and experienced teachers. The paper summarizes outstanding, practicing teachers' conceptions of their work and suggests that teaching excellence has three aspects: professional knowledge (content, pedagogy and curriculum); interpersonal knowledge and, intrapersonal knowledge (ethics and dispositions).
ISSN:		0040-5841
Title:		Improving the quality of the teaching force: A conversation with David C. Berliner.
Source:		Educational Leadership. (2001). Vol 58. Issue 8, Pages 6-10.
Author(s):		Scherer, M.
Abstract:		In this journal article, David C. Berliner shares his ideas about the characteristics of expert teachers, a subject he has studied for a quarter of a century. The article's question and answer format also presents Berliner's views about teacher professionalism and certification, peer mentoring and enhancing the status of teachers and teaching.
ISSN:		0013-1784
Title:		How Teaching Matters: Bringing the classroom back into discussions of teacher quality.
Source:		Milken Family Foundation. (2000).
Author(s):		Wenglinsky, Harold.
Abstract:		This report explores improving the quality of teaching by improving classroom practices. The report claims to represent a first step toward linking classroom practices and strategies to student learning outcomes. The study relates data from two large student assessments with classroom teaching strategies and practices that appear to result in enhanced student achievement.
ISSN:		0040-5841
Title:		Standards and teacher quality.
Source:		Phi Delta Kappan. (2000). Vol. 81. Issue 8, Pages 612-621.
Author(s):		Wise, Arthur E; Leibbrand Jane A.
Abstract:		The authors argue that subject-matter knowledge is not enough to ensure effective teaching and suggest that graduates of American colleges and faculties of education will be expected to clearly demonstrate, in multi-faceted ways, their ability to teach effectively. In addition, American accredited teacher preparation programs will be expected to assess the quality of their programs and identify ways of further enhancing the quality of their teacher education graduates. Deans of Faculties of Education and other administrators, the authors predict, will have to demonstrate skill in creating an effective pre-service learning environments for education students.
ISSN:		0031-7217
BOOKS
Title:		Becoming a critically reflective teacher.
Source:		San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Inc. (1995). Pages 296.
Author(s):		Brookfield, Stephen D
Abstract:		The author offers a very personal and accessible guide that illustrates how teachers at any level and across all disciplines can improve their teaching. Applying the principles of adult learning, Stephen D. Brookfield thoughtfully guides teachers through the processes of becoming critically reflective about teaching, confronting the contradictions involved in creating democratic classrooms, and using critical reflection as a tool for continuous personal and professional development.
ISBN:		0-7879-0131-8
Title:		The quality school teacher.
Source:		Harper Collins Publishers. (1998). Pages 144.
Author(s):		Glasser, William A.
Abstract:		This book was written for teachers who want to create classroom learning environments in which all students not only do competent work, but also begin to do quality work. The book begins by explaining that to persuade students to do quality schoolwork, teachers must first establish warm, non-coercive relationships with their students. It goes on to urge teachers to teach only useful material by stressing skills rather than memorization, and to move from evaluation by the teacher to student self-evaluation.
ISBN:		0-06-095285-7
Title:		Motivation and learning: A teacher's guide to building excitement for learning and igniting the drive for quality.
Source:		Peak Learning Systems. (1998). Pages 286.
Author(s):		Rogers, Spence; Ludington, Jim; Graham, Shari.
Abstract:		This book is an essential resource for teachers. The strategies presented will prove beneficial for any teacher, but especially useful for teachers who develop lessons for delivery in a block-schedule context. It is filled with practical, research supported, guidelines and tips and strategies for increasing student motivation and learning outcomes. Every strategy is sorted and labeled as to its best classroom use. In addition, each one is identified in respect to its most appropriate grade level. The index allows anyone to quickly find the strategies and tips that will work best in given situations.
ISBN:		1-88-985230-9

WEBSITES AND ARTICLES RELATED TO CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT

Investing In teaching (Southeast Center For Teaching Quality)
http://www.teachingquality.org/resources/articles/investinginteaching.htm

Teaching Quality
http://www.ecs.org/html/issue.asp?issueid=129

Findings On Learning To Teach
http://ncrtl.msu.edu/http/folt.pdf

Summary Data On Teacher Effectiveness, Teacher Quality, And Teacher Qualifications
http://www.ncate.org/resources/factsheettq.htm

Quality Teaching. Effective Teachers…Or Warm Bodies?
http://www.ncate.org/pubs/qtf99.pdf

Professional Development: The Linchpin Of Teacher Quality
http://www.ascd.org/readingroom/infobrief/9908.html