A survey was developed asking educators to describe their most effective strategies for teaching marginal learners--students who do not succeed academically in the regular classroom. A total of 97 surveys were returned, and the recommended strategies were compiled. The paper begins by describing marginal learners. This is followed by seven…

This study report begins with a profile of marginal learners based on current research. It continues with a question-by-question analysis of a survey which was completed by 22 teachers identified as effective in working with marginal learners. The survey gathered information concerning: (1) teacher descriptions of marginal learners, including…

Whenever students can't remember, don't comprehend, or won't follow through on your instructions, here's a guide that explores the root cause for these and other learning problems and shows you how to set students on the path to understanding and success. Learning expert Betty K. Garner explains the mental processes students need to gather,…

A first-year elementary teacher explains how she helped a slow learner work up to her potential. Two experts suggest strategies for teaching slow learners: setting up an at-risk program; peer tutoring; adapting teaching to the learner's capabilities; and understanding individual learning styles. (SM)

This handbook, intended for both beginning and experienced practitioners in the field of developmental education and learning assistance, integrates theory and research in order to construct a new model of practice, which focuses not only on students who need help with basic skills or are underprepared but also on high achievers or graduate…

Reports on a study of self-concept among 424 Greek elementary students classified as normal achievers, low achievers, and those with learning difficulties. Finds that special education students rated themselves lower than their normally achieving and low achieving peers on academic self-concept. (CFR)

This fourth yearbook on research on mathematics teaching in Finland contains five articles, four in English and the fifth in German. "Mathematics as a Cognitive Science" (C. Letteri) examines cognitive aspects related to teaching and learning mathematics, with the focus on the different levels of comprehension and an analysis of basic…

Evidence regarding the centrality of word recognition to the reading process is considered, based on a review of research on beginning reading from 15 secondary sources. The research includes diverse learners who are low performers, learning or reading disabled, remedial readers, high achievers, culturally disadvantaged, language delayed, and…

Reports on an exploratory study of a metacognitive approach to teaching low achieving secondary students. Asserts that the research team hoped to examine a process whereby a dialog about learning processes would develop. Finds that all students indicated that they were able to focus on learning as a topic of conversation. (CFR)

Poor, minority, and low ability students suffer most from the general lack of sustained opportunity to study mathematics in American public schools. Studies indicate that preschool and kindergarten students show only minor social class or racial differences in mathematical thinking and that differences in mathematical performance among older…

A curricular and instructional framework for increasing the vocabulary skills of diverse learners is described. Areas of convergence in research literature on vocabulary learning and diverse learners are noted, and two recommendations based on these areas of convergence are offered: interventions to address the vocabulary delays of diverse…

After reviewing the literature comparing resource room and consultation models for serving children with low achievement, this paper addresses six best practices: peer tutoring, direct instruction in basic skills, precision teaching, cooperative learning, computer-aided instruction, and applied behavior analysis. Teacher attitudes and behaviors…

The Student Study Team (SST) is a school site team which involves parents, students, and teachers working together to assist regular education students who are not progressing satisfactorily. The SST model aims to increase positive outcomes for students; improve the quality and efficiency of meetings; and increase personal satisfaction levels for…

Recent research on vocabulary development is reviewed, highlighting issues related to diverse learners. The review included studies of students who are low performers; learning or reading disabled; remedial readers; high achievers; and students who are culturally disadvantaged, language delayed, and linguistically diverse. Areas of convergence in…