This study considers the relative benefits for vocabulary learning of exposure to two types of texts--literary or nonliterary--used with two teaching approaches. These approaches were termed "functional and creative", respectively. In the former, learners' attention was drawn to factual information and linguistic features in order to…

The purpose of this article is to outline four categories of issues that are fundamental to understanding the efficacy of technology for enhancing reading performance. The four categories of issues include: (1) What does it mean when we say a person is a reader or a nonreader?; (2) Instructional methods: Lessons of the achievement gap; (3)…

The authors reviewed studies on teaching reading comprehension to students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) with a focus on text (academic reading) comprehension and sight word (functional) comprehension. Eleven of 754 studies met the inclusion criteria: participants with ASD, published in English in a peer-reviewed journal, and use of an…

Students draw upon their experience and community resources in this program designed to prepare them for living on their own. (JM)

Presents teaching ideas using the classified advertising sections of newspapers, noting that the ability to decipher classifieds ads is an important life skill. (SKC)

This booklet is designed to provide some starter ideas for teachers to use in developing their own packet of learning materials. The procedures suggested and the examples included are literally starters. "Introduction to Survival Learning Materials" presents some procedures to help teachers get started in developing materials. "Following…

Describes the kinds of reading needs foreign students meet in college and in situations in daily life; offers practical teaching tips, such as providing instruction in word analysis, sentence structure analysis, study skills, skimming and scanning, and critical reading. (MKM)

Tips for helping children develop skills in reading directories, timetables, maps, signs, newspapers, credit forms, and consumer information. (SJL)

Suggestions from readers include a list of 144 practical things to read, and ways to use sustained silent reading in the secondary school classroom. (MKM)

This article is intended to provide adult basic education teachers with examples of functional learning activities for their students through use of the newspaper. It lists activities which are illustrations of those that can be used to teach functional skills in the key areas of reading and computation. For reading, suggested activities include…

Discusses the importance of combining functional reading with meaningful daily activities in the student's home, school, community, and vocational training areas. Emphasizes the need for severely handicapped and severely handicapped autistic students of limited English proficiency to be provided instruction in English as well as Spanish.…

To maximize effectiveness of instruction in daily living skills, teachers need procedures that are applicable to small group instruction, that promote generalization, and that can be replicated across skills. Eight moderately mentally retarded adults acquired and generalized daily living skills through a combination of instructions in reading…

Describes how to select functional materials and techniques for teaching reading survival skills. (DD)

Provides a rationale for developing document literacy--the ability to read and use the many printed forms of information encountered on a regular basis, such as applications, forms, and instructions. Offers practical suggestions for using such documents in middle school classrooms. (EV)