Shows how "concept of definition" (CD) instruction (instruction which organizes conceptual information into categories, properties, and illustrations) can be applied to content area reading. Presents several lessons and activities which develop strategies for combining new text information with prior knowledge and for self-monitoring…

Describes the goal-setting, assumptions, and instructional design of a metacognitive approach for using context-use strategies to develop at-risk students' vocabulary. Presents an example demonstrating implementation of the approach. Reports that both teacher and students evaluated the approach favorably. (RS)

Describes the Thinking Network approach and the cognitive mapping strategy used in a rural Mississippi school district to increase students' content acquisition and theme conceptualization of textbook units. Notes that the district's pass rate for state-mandated written communication, reading comprehension, and written essay tests dramatically…

Discusses an inservice program in which secondary school teachers were taught various content area reading objectives and how to implement them. Reports on a study that evaluated the effectiveness of the program. (FL)