A linguistic functions approach, which refers to the general social uses of language, is advocated as the most appropriate method of language instruction for mentally retarded children. Principles are detailed for sequencing linguistic functions for instruction through stages of expression of desires, reference and person concepts, inquiry skills,…

Reviews possible sources of reinforcement in computer assisted instruction and systematic utilization of these sources in courseware design. Sources reviewed include reinforcement from the machine itself; from the content of the instructional modules and its arrangement in a learning sequence; and from sources external to the modules. (MBR)

The article provides guidelines for developing curriculum objectives for multiply involved hearing-impaired students. Emphasis is placed on procedures for establishing instructional priorities, assessing the learner against these priorities, selecting and using prosthetics to overcome learning and behavioral deficits, providing educational…

Evidence is offered that children with specific language impairment often have serial memory difficulties. Research on the difficulties such children have in rote counting and in learning nursery rhymes is reviewed. Implications of current research for assessment and intervention in mathematics and rhymes are discussed. (DB)

Reviews concepts proposed by researchers in linguistics, psychology, philosophy, and artificial intelligence, who have applied their knowledge and skills to the study of human information processing--i.e., memory content, storage, encoding, and retrieval. Guidelines derived from theory for use by instructional designers and subject specialists in…

This article presents a graduated word problem sequence in mathematics, beginning with simple words; progressing to phrases, sentences, and paragraphs; advancing to paragraph word problems with extraneous information; and finally having students create their own word problems. Results from 67 elementary students with learning disabilities support…

The manual is intended to help parents and professionals understand the motor development of Down's syndrome infants and young children. Following an overview of motor development, gross and fine motor landmarks are presented along with exercises and activities to promote their development in infancy, toddlerhood, and childhood. Each landmark is…

Examines backward chaining, a method of producing demonstration films in which sequential steps in a procedure are taught backwards; that is, the last step is taught first, then the next to the last step, and so on. A film designed to teach procedures used in a science experiment is used as an example. (JJD)

The paper details teaching methods that have proved successful in teaching money management skills to secondary special education students (e.g., use of real money, organization of money before counting, transitions when counting different bill denominations, instruction in various bill combinations, sequence of introducing coin combinations, and…

This task listing was developed for use in Piano Technology, a course offered to visually impaired students at the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind. The listing is intended to be used with the "Trade and Industrial Education Service Area Resource Guide" in the implementation of competency-based education for this population. The…

Drawing from basic assumptions about learning and critical thinking skills, this paper suggests a teaching method for helping community college students to use their critical thinking capacity in their college courses. First, a series of assumptions commonly held by teachers about the nature of learning are presented, and contrasted with…

Presents guidelines for parents and teachers on preparing young children (3 to 8 years old) for a visit to the art museum. In preparing children for museum experiences, education for the art museum should be related to child development, begin long before entering a museum ("museum education"), and be sequential. (BB)

This paper focuses on formal strategies for remediation of speech production in children and youth with hearing impairments. A seven-step model of speech acquisition is summarized. General principles for improving student speech at phonetic and phonologic levels and specific strategies to deal with common speech errors are offered. (Author/DB)

This book provides research-based, concrete strategies for creating a student-centered curriculum in which every student can learn. It breaks down the Natural Human Learning Process (NHLP) into six stages, providing guidelines and models showing educators how to create learning experiences at each stage of the process for individuals, small…

This article describes methods for teaching higher level thinking skills to children. A four-step teaching plan utilizing Beyer's Taxonomy of thinking skills provides a sequential technique for teaching these skills as do increased verbal interaction, skillful questioning, and use of knowledge organizers. The I PLAN strategy can aid decision…