The examination of computer applications in instruction describes a model for studying effects of using microcomputers with mildly handicapped learners and discusses effects of microeducational environments for mildly handicapped and nonhandicapped elementary pupils. (CL)

A means of quickly reviewing key ideas, facts, or concepts in a cooperative and motivating learning structure is presented. Appropriate for use with students who have mild disabilities, the review activity calls for the teacher to produce a list of 10 concepts to be reviewed and ask questions referring to each of the items on the list. (JDD)

Classroom modifications used successfully by teachers of mainstreamed students with handicaps are described. General guidelines for dealing with daily assignments and activities are outlined, followed by specific guidelines concerning worksheets, textbook/end of chapter questions, study guides, notetaking, tests, and grading. (JDD)

Described are strategies for teaching social communication skills to 8- to 10-year-old students with mild handicaps. The instructional model involves determining behaviors to be taught; assessing social communication skills; teaching skills through motivating student performance, modeling, and practicing; and maintaining and transferring skills. A…

This digest looks at research findings and instructional applications concerning lesson structure for teacher directed initial instruction of mildly handicapped students. Research has identified seven critical elements of teaching method: gain the learner's attention, review relevant past learning, communicate the goal of the lesson, model the…

This article discusses the difficulties students with mild disabilities can have with note taking. It begins with a vignette and then describes how teachers can modify their lectures and how they can teach note-taking techniques to students. The two note-taking techniques described are strategic note taking and guided notes. (Contains references.)…

Four brief articles look at aspects of curriculum based measurement (CBM) for academically handicapped students including procedures of CBM with examples, different approaches to graphing student performance, and solutions to the problem of making time to measure student progress frequently. (DB)

Kinesthetic learning experiences for reinforcing mildly handicapped preschool and elementary students' spelling vocabulary are described. Students make letters of the alphabet with their bodies and then spell words from vocabulary lists. Follow-up spelling activities include scrambled letters; spelling baseball; word families; rhyming; consonant…

The guide, developed by the Secondary Transition and Employment Project (STEP) in Idaho, is intended to help students with mild handicaps develop job related social skills. The STEP social skills program requires: (1) identifying those skills which are considered important or socially useful by significant others; (2) clearly defining the…

The theoretical bases of process-oriented approaches for teaching writing to mildly handicapped students are described. Instructional features of such approaches include opportunities for sustained writing, establishment of a writing community, student selection of topics, modeling of the writing process and strategic thinking, reflective thinking…

A set of procedures for designing instruction and teaching concepts to students with learning difficulties is outlined. The following topics are discussed: (1) concept analysis, (2) concept definitions, (3) use of examples and nonexamples, (4) instructional sequence, and (5) diagnostic assessment. The role of technology in concept instruction is…

This article discusses how to teach children with mild disabilities to identify the five different types of expository text structures: main idea, list, order, compare/contrast, and classification. It then explains a strategy for each text structure type that can be taught to children to improve comprehension in content area classes. (Contains…

This article explains how to use the "Jeopardy!" game format both to assess student knowledge and reinforce critical information. It first considers problems with use of the standard game with students who have mild disabilities, then offers suggested modifications to the game to increase its instructional effectiveness. (Contains references.) (DB)

The reference handbook is the product of an Iowa Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education project entitled "Accommodation Strategies." The project attempted to: facilitate mildly handicapped students in regular education through the development and utilization of unique educational strategies; enhance cooperative endeavors between…

Guidelines are offered for modifying the classroom environment to develop better listening skills in children with poor listening skills. Included are general considerations about the characteristics and needs of children with poor listening skills, specific activities in the classroom to enhance skills in these children, and whole-class listening…