Currently, learning standards that govern schools are skills and knowledge centered, but when revisiting historical roots of literacy learning in communities of color, literacy was much more expansive and advanced to also include goals of identity meaning making and criticality. In this essay, the author argues for a reframed set of learning…

Calls for changes in the teaching of technical communication. Proposes including in instruction political discourse which analyzes the values of the military-industrial complex that technical writing now serves. Suggests that an apprenticeship model would be better suited to such instruction than the model now offered by the market. (SG)

Social skills training practices for persons with mental retardation are summarized, along with reasons for their lack of maintenance and generalization. A cognitive-behavioral definition and model of social competence and social skills are described, which unify social learning concepts with recent research and practice and focus on their utility…

Argues that critical thinking and problem-solving skills are best taught (and learned) as part of the instruction in the regular content areas. It is suggested that teachers should be more explicit when using specific thinking skills and point out when students are engaged in using those skills. (MBR)

This paper attempts to clarify the field of teacher development by proposing a classification of approaches to teacher development that include the main theoretical models currently cited. The four approaches discussed include cognitive-structural, skill acquisition, reorientation of concerns, and life cycle. (Author/SM)

Suggests that encouraging students' exploration of and experimentation with different styles of writing can help strengthen their abilities as readers and self-confidence as writers. Provides student examples that illustrate how strong rhetorical models may inspire those who are learning to write English as a Second or Foreign Language.…

This article explains the basic tenets of the skills-based and the holistic philosophies of reading instruction. Although the skills-based approach is dominant in both schools and teacher education, debate exists about the most effective approach. (IAH)

Describes one model of effective health instruction, highlighting what and how to teach. Two lesson types, skill development and values awareness, illustrate characteristics that incorporate theory specific to each outcome. By viewing health instruction as both a science and an art, teachers help ensure equal opportunity for all students to…

Describes a dispositional conception of thinking, presenting a view of what good thinking dispositions look like and what they are made of. The article compares different models of teaching (teaching as transmission and as enculturation) and examines the extent to which they provide adequate guidelines for teaching thinking dispositions. (SM)

Presents techniques that in the author's experience have helped middle-school students produce better, more original work. Alternative formats to the traditional report project, clear assignment criteria, a grading rubric, and instruction in visual communication are all valuable. A model with which teachers can reduce plagiarism and promote…

Discusses recommendations from the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science for defining, developing, and promoting library media programs that teach information finding and using skills. Areas covered include helping students develop thinking skills, theoretical implications of current research on how children process information,…

This volume presents two papers synthesizing current research in second-language acquisition and reactions to these papers from the point of view of researchers in foreign language learning. The introduction by Rosario Gingras provides an overview of the research in second-language acquisition as it applies to foreign language teaching. A…

Assesses critical thinking teaching models, including skill development, problem-solving, logical thinking, multiaspect, and information processing approaches. Stresses creating open classroom environments where critical thinking that fosters effective, thoughtful decision making can flourish. Argues that teaching can and should be less…