Argues that classroom microcomputer use should be examined within the process of classroom instruction and describes several dimensions that the teacher instructional decision-making perspective suggests as criteria for evaluating whether classroom instruction using microcomputers is pedagogically sound: teacher instructional goals, curricula,…

Considers possibility of developing a computer tutor around an explicit concept-learning theory derived from machine learning techniques. Some problems with using the focusing (and similar) algorithms in this role are discussed and possible solutions are developed. Design for a guided discovery learning system for tutoring concepts is proposed.…

Describes the instructional materials and features that distinguish the Chicago model of mastery learning instruction from other models of mastery learning. Also describes innovative ways to examine the effects of mastery learning instruction, given that school data often are limited to norm referenced tests and are lacking in controls. (Author/GC)

Presents a set of descriptive models for teaching paragraph development in English as a second language (ESL) writing classes based on the "given/new contract," a theory of information distribution developed text linguists. Discusses applications of the models to ESL composition classes, particularly scientific and technical writing classes. (SED)

A model for systematic, formative, and participatory self-evaluation of teacher training programs is presented and analyzed, and the conditions for its successful application are outlined. (MSE)

This article identifies problems with current practice in evaluating employee performance and presents currently accepted performance appraisal methods (behaviorally anchored rating scales, management by objectives). A research project designed to improve appraisals for school media specialists which was field-tested in four Florida school…

Describes a sequence of writing exercises that synthesizes current work on expressive discourse, learning theory, and classical exercises of the kind that are represented in Quintilian's progymnasmata. (HOD)

Reviews the literature indicating that most classroom communication is of the "teacher question-student response-teacher reaction" cycle, either oral or written. Argues that this dominant pattern of classroom dialogue is ill-adapted to real learning and presents an alternative model that values exploratory talk and writing. (HTH)

Presents a model for a study abroad program in which small groups of two to four students select a sociocultural topic to investigate in various ways in the foreign country. The students must conduct an interview with someone connected with the subject in the foreign country. (SED)

Discusses a model that allows teachers to provide content and instructional strategies that are appropriate to students' stages of both mental and moral development. The model (called the Three Step Approach) is based on Lawrence Kolberg's theory and provides opportunities for students to actively explore value-laden issues. (JN)

Describes how the writing of a favorite author helped a child accomplish what she wanted in her own writing. Discusses the classroom environment that encouraged the child's writing. (HTH)

Suggests making insect models to learn more about the world of insects. List of materials needed and recommended procedures are provided. Also suggests other interdisciplinary activities for investigating insects in the classroom, including the preparation of an insect zoo using the student-constructed models. (BC)

A method for determining the cost function for computer-assisted programed instruction is described. The teaching process modelled consists of students working at self-paced programed instruction and receiving immediate feedback provided by a computer and an instructor. The instructor is available for clarification and discussion at an individual…

Utilizing social judgment theory, a method for eliciting opinions about the relative importance of multiple objectives, a model was developed to evaluate the performance of public agencies and programs. The model was then applied to the problem of establishing relative weights for six performance dimensions for a public agency. (Author/EGS)

Describes a planning model (PLAE--preplan, list, activate, evaluate) that provides a practical and flexible guide in how to determine one's own learning tasks, how to select and schedule the most appropriate study strategies for those tasks, and how to activate and evaluate a plan in terms of its efficiency and effectiveness. (HOD)