Despite decades of robust evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of self-monitoring for attention, the strategy is not universally taught to students who struggle with attention, particularly within general education settings. Recent studies have included technology such as tablets or smartphones, adding to the ease and social acceptability of…

This article describes "seductive details" as attention-grabbing, irrelevant pieces of information. They can be words, illustrations, photographs, animations, narrations, videos, or sounds. Studying the effects of seductive details is a growing area of research--but it is far enough along to merit teachers' interest: there are over 20…

Too often, professional development (PD) sessions consist of little more than delivering lists of things teachers should know and should be doing. There is little to no follow up. There are few opportunities to think about how to adapt and apply the learning to fit your own classroom context, or to try it out and compare outcomes with fellow…

This article explores how teachers manage classrooms to facilitate the intellectual engagement of disengaged students. The author proposes that teachers create an environment conducive to intellectual engagement when students perceive: (a) that there are opportunities for them to succeed, (b) that flexible avenues exist through which learning can…

Library media specialists need to embrace brain research and implement its findings into the teaching of information literary skills. Research in the past two decades has used imaging techniques to allow the study of brain functions when listening to music versus composing a song or when recalling a noun or verb. Imaging allows researchers to look…

This discussion of learning motivation focuses on the four basic concepts of the ARCs Motivation Model: getting learners' attention, showing relevance, building confidence, and generating satisfaction. Strategies for dealing with these concerns are suggested. The second article in this series will deal with the design process. (LRW)

The article describes a series of 10 games designed to improve the communication skills of pupils with severe learning difficulties. The games encourage attention development, initiating comments, and giving and receiving instructions. (DB)

Describes guidelines that can be used by teachers to promote student learning. Suggests that realistic expectations, the use of activities, demonstrations, labs, a variety of teaching methods, and good discipline are important to higher-level motivation of lower-level students. Discusses testing of mildly handicapped children, and dealing with…

Developed for teachers of educable mentally impaired students at the early elementary level in the Detroit Public Schools, this lesson plan format uses performance objectives based on the annual goals and short-term instructional objectives cited in students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The format is intended to be concise and useful…

Designed to be used by practicing teachers, students who are learning to become teachers, and faculty members who instruct such students, this manual describes how to use attending cues and responses to help children with mild disabilities attend to the important aspects of instructional activities, and how to use attending cues and responses to…