Value Differences Among Public High School Teachers Using a Regression Model Analysis of Variance Technique

This study examined outcomes of a supervision practicum in which graduate students supervised under-graduates in teacher education during microteaching activities and studied their supervisory behavior using videotape replays of conferences with teacher-trainees. Pre- and post-measures were used to assess changes in conference style as reflected by verbal behavior, and changes in the relationship between conference dialogues and subsequent teaching behavior. Supervisors shifted toward more indirect-supportive conference styles. Conclusions were that videotaped microteaching can be adapted to improve supervisor education by 1.) providing realistic supervisory experience, 2.) serving as a vehicle to modify the conference behavior of potential supervisors, and 3.) serving as a research vehicle for accumulating new knowledge and testing current theories concerning the process of supervision.     

Pragmatism at work in Britain: Some reflections on attempting to introduce the assessment of prior experiential learning.

The Assessment of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) involves students or prospective students documenting their learning from life and work experience in such a way that they can use such documentation to gain access and advance standing in tertiary education institutions. For the past ten years, the author has been centrally involved in introducing the idea of assessing prior experiential learning in Britain, most recently as Director of the Learning from Experience Trust. In this paper he reflects on his personal experience of the issues involved, the barriers which were faced and the ways in which the idea has been accepted.     

The Teaching of English in Puerto Rico: One Hundred Years of Degrees of Bilingualism

The bilingual policies of the University of Puerto Rico are described in the context of bilingualism in Puerto Rico as a whole, given that the second language, English, was a relatively recent imposition coming after several centuries of thorough Hispanization. Although Puerto Rico is profoundly Hispanic in terms of both language and culture, its people understand the need to be proficient in English. Thus the University of Puerto Rico is taking many steps to make sure that its students become proficient in both Spanish and English. A number of programmes are described, and the results in terms of improved knowledge of English, in particular, are detailed.