The purpose of this literature review is to explore the nature of differentiated instruction in education. Through the duration of the graduate course Interpreting Educational Research, I extensively researched the topic of differentiated instruction. My belief is that differentiated instruction is an expected approach to teaching and learning,…

As research advances in the areas of bullying, cyberbullying, and harassment in various sectors, it is a useful endeavour to consider the connections between research studies conducted in what may appear to be parallel spheres. In this paper, we examine the similarities and differences between research on bullying, harassment, and especially…

The article provides a review of recent research on insight problem-solving performance. We discuss what insight problems are, the different types of classic and newer insight problems, and how we can classify them. We also explain some of the other aspects that affect insight performance, such as hints, analogs, training, thinking aloud, and…

In this review essay, Jan Nespor uses three recent contributions to place-based education, Paul Theobald's "Teaching the Commons," C.A. Bowers's "Revitalizing the Commons," and David Gruenewald and Gregory Smith's edited volume "Place-Based Education in the Global Age," to examine some fundamental conceptual and practical issues in the area. One…

Reacts to Jennings and Skovholt's (1999) study on master therapists. Discusses the lack of clear definition of master therapist, lack of meaningful comparison groups needed to infer the distinctive characteristics of master therapists, the incomplete communication of data-analytic procedures, and the formulation of results as a uniform…

The article reviews proposed causes and observable symptoms that characterize dyslexia, concluding that individualized analysis and specialized treatments are required and that, until an operational definition can be agreed upon, use of the label "dyslexia" is counterproductive. (DB)

Definitions and identification practices are examined in light of special problems facing gifted disabled and gifted disadvantaged students. Research is reviewed on a variety of gifted subgroups, including physical disabilities, diverse cultures and ethnic groups, underachievement, and learning disabilities. Differences in definitions of gifted…

An attempt is made, using a partial review of the literature, to present a non-technical overview of some of the child-related issues in simultaneous bilingualism. While controversy still rages in the area of bilingualism research, some definite changes can be discerned over the past 40 years. Opinion has shifted from a deficiency perspective to…

The study of the role of students' interest in their learning has seen a resurgence in the past 20 years. This chapter examines the ways in which adolescents' interests develop, differ from those of younger children, and contribute to their developing sense of self. The chapter helps to explain why many adolescents lack academic interests and how…

In light of recent research suggesting links between learning style and culture, this review of the literature looked at the various definitions of learning style, reviewed a framework for categorizing the types of instruments used to assess learning style, and explored the literature on learning style research among diverse groups. The study…

This article first discusses various definitions of "difference" and then reviews some sociological theories providing a general conceptual understanding of the response to difference in today's society. It stresses the need to build communities and schools that support difference and develop cultural citizenship without polarizing…

Describes the biological basis of learning and individuality. Presents an overview of recent discoveries that suggest learning engages a simple set of rules that modify the strength of connection between neurons in the brain. The changes are cited as playing an important role in making each individual unique. (MCO)

A review was made of literature about individual differences in learning style. Four related topics were investigated: (1) learning style as the factor constituting individual differences among students; (2) the necessity of diagnosis to the learning style paradigm; (3) elements making up individual learning style differences; and (4) the…

The literature review examines the issue of whether categorical differentiation and placement of mentally retarded and learning disabled students is educationally warranted. First, the two conditions are defined; next, a comparison between the two on psychological, behavioral-social, and educational characteristics usually ascribed to children so…

This fact sheet on Down Syndrome is offered in both English and Spanish. First it provides a definition and description of this syndrome, noting its etiology in a chromosomal abnormality. Incidence figures are then given. Typical characteristics of people with Down Syndrome are listed. Commonly associated health-related problems are noted,…