"An early learning program where children are free to select the materials for their own education and where peer teaching is actively promoted." Part of a longer special report available from: Grade Teacher Reprints, 23 Leroy Ave., Darien, Conn. 06820. (No. 91291, 75J) (Author/AP)

Children must learn to discriminate among the visual stimuli they experience and to recognize the existence of a visual language. Learning activities to help young children develop a sense of visual literacy are suggested. (PP)

Eight ways to use flash cards in mathematics instruction are described. These games and other gimmicks help increase students' concentration, build memory skills, sharpen thinking skills, and enliven drills. (PP)

Shows how children's use of explicit oral language is related to success in learning to read and writing. Outlines a technique to teach the use of explicit language through dramatic play. (HTH)

Discusses test-taking skills and their application to tests of reading achievement. Presents a rationale for teaching these skills, lists a comprehensive set of skills relevant to standardized reading tests, and offers suggestions for teaching the skills and helping children use them. (FL)

Discusses the need for systematic training in critical thinking skills in English universities. The author argues that there is little recognition given for this skill because it is not considered socially valuable. Most teachers do not know how to do it themselves, and few are trained to teach it. (AM)

A social effectiveness program which teaches positive social behavior to socially handicapped children is described. The social effectiveness training inservice program agenda includes: (1) establishing expectations for social behavior; (2) introducing and strengthening new skills; and (3) positive feedback and ignore-attend-praise strategies. (JN)

Two methods for enhancing the job-interviewing skills of rehabilitation clients were studied: the MDC Job Quest Series (Part 3) and group role playing. Main effect findings revealed that both role play and Quest methods may show promise in raising clients' interview competency. Suggestions for further research are elaborated. (Author)

Argues that students' problems in reading content area materials can best be solved by helping them make effective use of their skills through skill-centered instruction. Describes the purpose and rationale for an approach involving the "glossing" of expository text--the addition of intratext notations to direct students' attention while they…

Possible ways of developing skills required for effective teaching of independent study and small group instruction are considered. A short series of faculty development courses is reported, and seven main issues in skill development are listed, including structuring and evaluating independent work and integrating other teaching methods. (MSE)

Discusses the measurable benefits in reading improvement, language skills, listening skills, and access to material beyond present skills that children receive from teachers reading aloud. Includes guidelines for successfully reading aloud in the classroom and a brief bibliography of sources of good books to read aloud. (HTH)

Explains how political scientists in colleges and universities can cooperate with high schools in their communities to help students improve their quantitative skills in an introductory computer course. (Author/DB)