Describes planning, implementation, and evaluation of an instructional unit that uses a direct instruction approach to teach the basics of American Sign Language to elementary-age students with serious emotional or behavior disorders. Figures list lesson topics and instructional objectives, provide a sample lesson plan and a story suitable for…

The historical development of special education in Germany is summarized. Four cognitive teaching methods for special education are described: cognitive behavior modification with a focus on problem solving and metacognition, intelligence training based on inductive thinking, application of Piagetian concepts, and dynamic testing. (Author/JDD)

A five-step curriculum adaptation model to meet learning and behavior needs is presented, involving (1) determine need for curricular adaptations, (2) identify elements requiring adaptation, (3) select teaching and behavior management techniques, (4) implement curricular adaptations, and (5) monitor progress of adaptations. (JDD)

In this cross-age tutoring project, severely learning-disabled high school students tutored primary students who were having difficulty with reading. Tutors were trained in good teacher behaviors (giving positive and corrective feedback, avoiding overprompting) and in the use of established techniques for teaching reading. (JDD)

Describes four major types of learning theories (behavioral, cognitive, cybernetic, and andragogical); examines pertinent literature for each; and traces links between the literature of learning theory and that of the design of online public access catalog instructional systems. (32 references) (Author/CLB)

Issues specific to two instructional technologies (cooperative learning and computer instruction) are reviewed, along with their interactive effects. Emphasized are the management of diverse instructional needs within mainstream programs, cognitive outcomes for mentally handicapped and nonhandicapped students, and the social interactions of…

Presents five individual narratives which describe the internal struggles experienced by teachers in resolving the empowerment issue, while learning to support and trust their students' learning. (MM)

Exceptional students need to learn self-directed behavior and self-management procedures, in order to enhance their adaptability and problem-solving skills in work environments. An instructional model to teach adaptability skills focuses on decision-making, independent performance, self-evaluation, and autonomy. Several procedures to promote…

Asserts that alcohol abuse is a major problem in Russian schools with as many as 70-75% of 11th graders being heavy drinkers. Maintains that there is a need for a unified, coordinated, goal-oriented antialcohol program in elementary and secondary grades. Presents suggested lesson plans with accompanying teacher background information for grades…

This study examined patterns of reading-related classroom dialog of three low-gaining and three high-gaining special education teachers. High-gaining teachers spent considerably more time scaffolding student responses, modeling reading strategies, encouraging risk-taking, and transferring control of the reading process to students. Low-gaining…

Asserts that a longitudinal content analysis of smiling by senior women in college yearbooks provides beginning sociological students with an excellent way to discover many sociological concepts. Presents a classroom assignment in which students code college yearbooks for female smiles and make hypotheses about their findings. (CFR)

Four major teaching strategies for linking humor and learning are identified: (1) to perform as models of humor; (2) to select learning materials that foster the expression of humor; (3) to elicit expressions of humor; and (4) to be responsive and appreciative. (LB)

The provision of adequate sex education to students with learning disabilities, behavior disorders, and mild mental disabilities should be a part of a general education effort to acclimatize them to full social integration. This paper discusses teaching strategies, issues in developing a sex education curriculum, and personal traits of successful…

The effects of clarity training on preservice teachers' instructional clarity were examined with regard to effects on their ability to produce student learning and satisfaction. Teachers were observed and students interviewed; training was found to help teachers develop more instructional clarity, which facilitated student learning. (SM)

To assist teachers in promoting successful transitions of preschool children with handicaps to integrated preschools or kindergartens, this article summarizes research findings on teachers' classroom organization, behavioral characteristics of most and least independent children in mainstream settings, and differences in the instructional…