Systematic reviews and meta-analyses aggregate research findings across studies and populations, making them a valuable form of research evidence. Over the past decade, studies in medical education using these methods have increased by 630%. However, many manuscripts are not publication-ready due to inadequate planning and insufficient analyses.…

The driving forces behind mathematics learning trajectories is the need to understand how children actually learn and make sense of mathematics--how they progress from prior knowledge, through intermediate understandings, to the mathematics target understandings--and how to use these insights to improve instruction and student learning. In this…

Discusses the formation of the International Listening Association to address concerns related to listening. The importance of teaching students effective listening skills is also outlined. New technology has increased the amount of listening in which students are engaged. Includes references. (MD)

The ability to use language (speak, read, write) is not something that children suddenly or automatically develop. It is rather a culmination of experiences with language that begin at birth. Sharing stories (oral storytelling, books) and "story experiences" (conversations, songs, poems, rhymes) with infants and toddlers is critical to building…

Literature on metacognition, particularly studies by A. L. Brown and J. H. Flavell, are reviewed, and it is argued that a learning disabled adolescent may become a more active learner by being taught a system of strategies for learning. Comprehension skills, motivation, and metacognitive skills are interdependent. (Author/CL)

Shares concerns voiced by several RTEACHER listserv members who noted that some students execute the strategies they have been taught in perfunctory rather than thoughtful ways. Wrestles with the questions that emerged from conversations about this dilemma and forces educators to think beyond strategy instruction. Examines why educators have…

The article reviews the sequence of comprehension and production development in young normal hearing and hearing impaired children and describes comprehension strategies for both populations. Assessment procedures are considered. (CL)

A study was made of factors that affect the comprehension of technical discourse. Results showed that when no visual was used: (1) the schematic organization enhanced comprehension and (2) students who participated in the activity outperformed those who did not participate. (CT)

This article provides recommended strategies for evaluating student understanding in inclusive classrooms. Strategies discussed include informal checks on students, student summaries of main points, student summaries of directions, risk reminders, lesson reaction sheets, learning logs, collaborative open-note tests, peer monitoring activities,…

Guidelines are offered for speech-language pathologists who seek to evaluate and enhance idiom comprehension in language-disordered students. The long-term goal of the treatment approach is for the student to acquire a specific comprehension strategy for determining the meanings of unfamiliar idioms. (Author/JDD)

McGee and Richgels have set the standard in this new edition by clearly and simply explaining the issues addressed in Reading First and Early Reading First legislation that affect the reading instruction of young children. Aligned with the findings of the National Reading Panel, this edition focuses on child-centered instruction in phonemic…

Suggestions are offered for applying learning techniques for a variety of learning situations. The approaches are applicable to learning medical school content as well as other advanced educational content. Ways to control external distractors are suggested, including a systematic approach to completing large tasks, such as writing a research…

Discusses the progression of critical thinking skills from least difficult to most difficult. The hierarchy begins with "basic abilities," the next level is creativity and critical thinking, and the highest level is "problem solving." The entire process is called metacognition. Includes a chart outlining the developmental sequence and a list of…

Describing Reading Recovery and Chapter I as two programs that emphasize a one-on-one approach in assisting pupils in learning to read, this paper considers advantages and aspects of these programs. It gives 10 reasons for stressing a single teacher assisting one pupil in learning to read and proposes how these programs may be incorporated into…

Arguing that the failure of instructional materials is frequently due to misconceptions held by their developers concerning the nature of comprehension, this chapter examines the factors involved in comprehension and relates them to the design of instructional materials. Three types of errors in comprehension are discussed, and ways to avoid them…