According to accreditation and professional bodies, evaluation and grading are a high priority in counselor education. Specifications grading, an evaluative tool, can be used to increase grading rigor. This article describes the components of specifications grading and applies the framework of specifications grading to a counseling theories course.

Young children's capabilities continue to be revealed through brain and other scientific research. These advances in knowledge have led to the implementation of more progressive learning experiences in preschool programs. More in-depth explorations accommodate young children's intellect and they help children develop life skills as competent…

In this article, the authors discuss how learning contracts can motivate students. "A learning contract is simply a written agreement between teacher and learner in which the learner undertakes to complete mutually agreed upon tasks in a specified amount of time on his or her own initiative" (Greenwood, 2003, p.1). Contracts are designed to…

Inspired by his ability to teach algebra to low-income and mostly African American and Latino urban students--and have them outscore the state averages for high-income and Caucasian students on standardized tests--Kadhir "Raja" Rajagopal, the 2011 California Teacher of the Year, provides you with a model for teaching that unleashes the…

Provides a rationale and description for adapting the student contract to lower-division technical writing classes in the community college. A copy of the learning contract and evaluation forms are included. (HTH)

Suggestions are made for directing students in a program of independent study. (JD)

Discusses and classifies nine strategies for personalizing instruction based on levels of interaction and thoughtfulness: Individualized instruction, accelerated learning, style-based instruction, technology-assisted learning, contract learning, authentic pedagogy, guided practice, cooperative learning, and topic study. (Conatains 11 references.)…

Proposes that literacy learning is social, recursive, personal, and idiosyncratic. Suggests that learning contracts orchestrate child centeredness and increase independence. Concludes that contracts connect previously isolated content area with the personal interests and needs of students, and establishes a classroom climate in which students are…

A study was conducted to determine if behavior contracting promotes learning of behavior strategies beyond what is learned in health instruction. The ability of college students to remember and apply behavioral strategies to a personal health situation was the focus of the study. (DF)

Organizational linkages between teacher education courses and various health care industries used to promote the professional growth and development of 14 University of Louisville (Kentucky) students are described. Students who took part in the program defined their own educational needs, wrote performance objectives to address these needs,…

Contract learning is an approach to classroom instruction that emphasizes teacher-student collaboration in the teaching-learning process. Participation in instructional decision-making encourages students to take responsibility for what happens to them, and it engenders a greater sense of commitment to the outcomes of the music program. In music…

This article describes a system of classroom management which is geared to the needs and abilities of individual pupils, primarily in mixed-ability classes. It involves the effective use of resource materials developed at a local center. (Author/SJL)

Describes a process by which technology education students negotiate a contract with the teacher, then develop a plan to fulfill the contract and meet specific criteria for assessment. Concludes that this process provides a mechanism for the individualization of learning, accommodates the development of independence and self-direction, and…

The mastery approach was taken with physical education majors at the sophomore level. The approach was based on several considerations which included the achievement of a minimum competency level. The students were allowed to select one of three options to achieve this level. (JN)

This paper describes the first year of a 2-year Diploma Nursing Program for American Indians that incorporated a humanistic learning component. The program was offered by the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology, Kelsey Campus, and was delivered off-site in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. Humanistic practices were introduced to…