How Useful Are Workshops Conducted during National Newspaper in Education Week?
A survey was conducted in March 1987, which evaluated the effectiveness of workshops on the use of newspapers in education. Questionnaire responses from 78 teacher/participants of 35 workshops in 13 states were used to determine (1) factors contributing to successful workshops, (2) implications for classrooms, and (3) suggestions for future workshops. Respondents most frequently attributed successful workshops to the workshop presenter (45%), the practical ideas/activities (30.5%), and supplies (8.5%). Of the activities learned at workshops, participants most frequently reported using specific content area tasks (28%), spelling/vocabulary instruction (22.5%), and educational games (16%); at least 10% of teachers responding cited the value of using newspapers to teach critical thinking, classification, and sequencing. Results of the study indicate that future workshops should seek, above all, enthusiastic, well-organized presenters. Recommendations for improvement of workshops include i
