The six editions of this newsletter provide a forum for the sharing of research findings and instructional strategies by faculty of Western Michigan University on issues connected with critical thinking. Topics addressed include alternative program designs for critical thinking instruction, a philosophical exploration of what critical thinking is,…

Guidelines are offered to ensure a stimulating and challenging learning environment for gifted learners. Curriculum modifications are suggested in the areas of: (1) content (complexity, abstractness, and variety; organization; purpose and choice; interaction with peers; focus on issues, themes, or questions; and role of methodologist,…

This paper describes a course for mentally handicapped students designed to help them to develop practical living skills. The class involves four one-semester units: health and safety; home living; social skills; and job skills. The subjects studied in each of these units are outlined. Information concerning the resources, planning, instruction,…

Facilitating Effective Learning and Teaching (FELT) is a program that involves the systematic analysis of learning by students. It identifies the processes of reflection and making implicit knowledge explicit in changing one's understanding of learning. The present investigation examines the prediction that students can enhance their…

This resource book for local government officials, teachers, and civic leaders is designed to aid in the production of materials and the establishment of programs to educate young people about the role local government plays in their lives. Practical guidelines outline the steps that need to be taken to initiate a successful program, including…

Geography should be infused into existing elementary and secondary school curricula rather than added as another separate subject at various levels. That is the thrust of this monograph, which suggests ways to integrate relevant geographic knowledge, concepts, and skills into specific elementary and secondary subjects. The relationship between…

The author suggests ways in which the field of special education, specifically for mildly handicapped students, must reexamine its role and functions in light of budget cuts and threats of deregulation. He asserts that mainstreaming efforts must be reevaluated to assure that special education remains a part of general education in the community.…

Instructors' knowledge of linguistics can affect the way they teach writing. For example, in traditional linguistics, O. Jespersen's important contribution is his descriptive rather than prescriptive study of English in a historical context. Writing teachers influenced by Jespersen will place students in writing situations where they do not rely…

An outline of evaluation guidelines for multicultural education is provided as an aid to local Washington state school districts. The guidelines are divided into sections on curriculum, instruction, and staff development. Within each section, a goal statement is followed by specific recommendations. For example, to achieve the instructional goal…

This article stresses the need for improved Spanish instruction in Spanish and Latin American universities for Spanish-speaking students. Obstacles to teaching such as student apathy and professional shortcomings are outlined. Suggestions for improved curriculum content and methodology are given. (Text is in Spanish.) (CLK)

Asserts that much attention has recently been paid to the 'nature' of remedial work at the expense of the 'purpose', and that over concern with method has blinded many workers to the simple educational fact that what is done should depend upon one's objectives, and discusses the purpose and objectives of remedial reading. (Author/JM)

Thirteen multidisciplinary, student involving teaching techniques center on the environment and particularly the need for energy conservation, through concepts such as stewardship, scarcity, planning, valuing, survival, and interdependence. (DE)

An analysis of new directions for secondary education, vocational education, curricula, educational methodologies, evaluation techniques, and teacher training proposed at recent conferences of the Council of Europe is provided. (DE)

The last 12 years have been years of great change in mathematics in secondary schools, both in content and style of teaching, and it is appropriate to consider what has been achieved, what has been missed and what are the problems in the immediate future. (Author)