Entertainment is a valid instructional strategy to which students respond. Both traditional and high-tech methods of task engagement can motivate students without sacrificing rigor. Interesting topics can be taught by interesting instructors in interesting ways. (SK)

Children with spelling difficulties are limited in their participation in all written school activities. We aimed to investigate the influence of word-prediction as a tool on spelling accuracy and typing speed. To this end, we selected 80 Grade 4-6 children with spelling difficulties in a school for special needs to participate in a research…

The perspective of this article is that the purpose of the elementary physical education program is the development of a physically active lifestyle. We discuss the relative contribution of the development of motor skills, fitness, content related to encouraging participation, and the affective goals of the program to the development of a…

This study examined the effects of a work system on the independent work and play skills of students with autism. Work systems, an element of structured teaching developed by Division TEACCH, are organized sets of visual information that inform a student about participation in work or play areas. A single subject withdrawal of treatment design,…

Kristien Marquez-Zenkov and James A. Harmon encouraged urban students to take photographs that illustrate the purposes of school, factors that support success in school, and barriers to success. The authors analyzed students' photos and written reflections on the photos to form recommendations regarding teaching approaches that encourage students'…

Data derived from observation of 32 classrooms (eight- and nine-year-olds) are analyzed to consider the relationship between teaching methods and the amount of class time pupils spend on curriculum tasks. Results indicate that classrooms with higher levels of whole-class interaction have higher levels of pupil time on task, even during periods of…

The authors review research on effective practices in secondary schools with relevance for secondary teachers of learning disabled students. Three elements appear to be related to student learning: time for student learning, teacher-student interaction, and lesson structure. Research on each of these elements is reviewed and suggestions made for…

This article, based upon a survey of 3000 teachers in 92 Illinois high schools, presents data on homework use by teachers. Data is provided on the amount, frequency, structure, purposes, and types of homework assigned to students. The level of school and parental support is also assessed. (IAH)

The article addresses ways to maximize the engagement of preschool children with special needs, through classroom modifications of the physical environment, the social environment, and instructional practices. The article encourages use of appropriate, sufficient, and accessible materials; a daily schedule with smooth transitions; and use of…

Carol Twigg, president of the National Center for Academics Transformation and a secondary school teacher, debates on whether technology in the classroom improves student learning. She claims that the key to increasing student learning is to get students more engaged in what they are studying.

Despite the recommendation to maintain a brisk pace while delivering Direct Instruction programs, research evidence in support of brisk instructional pacing is mixed. This study examined the effects of slow- and fast-paced teaching on the response opportunities, participation, accuracy, and off-task behavior of 4 prekindergarten students…

This report systematically reviews research on the outcomes of programs that teach young children in a group setting before they begin kindergarten. Study inclusion criteria included the use of randomized or matched control groups, evidence of initial equality, and study duration of at least 12 weeks. Studies included valid measures of language,…

The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 created the Reading First program to help ensure that all students could read at or above grade level by the end of grade 3. The program promotes practices recommended by the National Reading Panel for early reading instruction, highlighting essential components of reading instruction. As required by the…

The paper presents a study investigating the net-based learner autonomy of the first-year non-English major students studying in West Anhui University (WAHU). Through questionnaires and interviews, the study shows the problems in learner autonomy and presents a new perspective for the development of an auto-learning environment. The study reveals…

This study tests the claim that word learning and retention in a second language are contingent upon a task's involvement load (i.e. the amount of need, search, and evaluation it imposes), as proposed by Laufer and Hulstijn (2001). Seventy-nine beginning learners of Spanish completed one of three vocabulary learning tasks that varied in the amount…