Reports on a handwriting experiment on the learning of four Arabic letters by novice writers of Arabic script. Finds a general learning effect expressed as a decrease of movement time and writing dysfluency. Finds a differential effect of practice on the trade-off between simple reaction time and movement time as a function of consecutive trials.…

In order to determine the extent to which the LOGO programming language can be used as a reinforcer for general problem solving ability, this field study used a production theory approach to problem solving as a conceptual model, and then translated the model into a LOGO oriented framework. The methodology tested the use of an algorithm in a…

This study explored how social comparative information and specific, proximal goals influence children's skillful performance and percepts of self-efficacy in the context of arithmetic competency development. A total of 40 fourth and fifth graders, identified as low-achieving in arithmetic, received instruction in division along with practice…

Elementary school students are often exposed to computer usage before they have been taught correct typing techniques. Sample exercises to teach touch-typing to young children are provided on a reproducible page. (JL)

The project described in this report explored the effectiveness of a collaborative effort of parents and school personnel in the training and generalization of social skills for socially deficient children. Five students (aged 8-11), classified as behaviorally handicapped or learning disabled, served as subjects and were grouped with…

Employed two strategies used to test prerequisite relationships among intellectual skills to examine the sequence of three types of subtraction tasks. A psychometric validation strategy yielded results similar to instructional validation strategy. Supports the use of the more efficient psychometric approach for validating large numbers of learning…

Relative to children in the attention-placebo and waiting-list control, skills-training children demonstrated increased skill in a role-play situation, a greater verbal knowledge of how to interact with peers, and more initiation of peer interactions in school. (Author)

A five-second constant time delay procedure with recipe cards was used to teach drink preparation to five intermediate-aged elementary students with moderate mental handicaps. The procedure was effective in teaching all students how to complete the task; 12-month followup showed at least 81 percent accuracy. (Author/JDD)

A program designed to teach money skills to the mentally retarded individual who already has the ability to count at least 20 objects is presented. An overview of the program is provided along with a list of the program goals and a section on training paraprofessionals to use the program. An evaluation instrument is included to assess the…

Classroom meetings get children involved in developing the social responsibilities necessary to solve their behavioral and educational problems. Practical suggestions are included in the article for basic techniques that might be useful in conducting these group meetings. (Author)

Outlines a three-stage training program that focuses on teaching a limited set of skills to children for use in conflict resolution. Stages include readiness activities, skill training, and structured generalization. Results indicate peers and teachers have observed improvement in children who participated in the program. (Author/JAC)

Two training experiments were conducted to assess whether teaching grade 3 and 4 children to engage in comparison activity improves their referential communication performance (identifying a particular referent for a listerner) and message appraisal and production. Results demonstrated that comparison training improved childrens' referential…

The present research was undertaken to test the effectiveness of beginning training at the motor level for children having difficulty with the symbolic system of reading. Reading gains of first-grade children were significantly greater than those of second-graders beyond the .01 level, a result not explainable by ceiling effects. (Author)

Designed to instruct both elementary school teachers and students in the practical use of computers, this manual contains 20 sample drill and practice examples of computer aided instructional programs. The programs were written using a TRS-80 Model III microcomputer, but can be adapted to most other microcomputers that utilize the BASIC language.…

The effects of social skill training on social behavior was assessed, using a structured learning model with 3 children with behavioral disorders, ages 7-14. Results showed an increase in frequency for most skill areas, an inverse relationship across negative behaviors, maintenance over time, and moderate levels of generalization to nontreatment…