There is indeed a literacy crisis, but this crisis needs to be reconceived as a crisis in definition. Paulo Freire and Donaldo Macedo's book "Literacy: Reading the Word and the World" can be used to refute E. D. Hirsch's arguments as presented in his "Cultural Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know," but this kind of…

Intended for teachers of students with learning disabilities, the paper reviews recent trends in research. The importance and the difficulty of keeping up with new developments in the field are noted. Research and theoretical considerations are presented for the following topic areas: definition and identification difficulties (including,…

The manual examines eight topics regarding the education of deaf blind students in Georgia (sample subtopics in parentheses): definitions; eligibility criteria; due process (placement, exit criteria); program organization (philosophy, delivery models); instructional programs (related services); program evaluation (family services, rehabilitation,…

This document examines study skills and presents various approaches to teaching the skills at the elementary and secondary levels. The teaching of study skills should have a high priority in our schools to help students deal efficiently with their daily classroom tasks and to equip them for a lifetime of learning. There are many different ways to…

Some of the prelevant ways by which the schools, through their special education programs, deal with handicapped children are considered; and an alternative to the present system is explored. Covered in brief sections are the following topics: three perspectives of special education practice (the conservative view, the piecemeal approach, and the…

A technique is described for eliciting true communication in the elementary German classroom which is also applicable to more advanced study. Students define simple words in German and are encouraged to help one another build a cumulative definition. The instructor reinforces the concept of language as a social activity. (SW)

The author's definition for individuals with special needs in career-oriented educational programs recognizes the effects of disability, disadvantage and/or dysfunctional school placement and the need for individually prescribed, unique, and more powerful teaching techniques; individualized supplemental or supportive services; and additional…

Investigates how members of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication define, teach, and measure critical thinking. Finds that members believe they are teaching critical thinking, but they seem not to do so in a systematic or well-defined manner. Finds that evaluation of critical thinking is neither uniform nor systematic.…

Argues that the definition of teaching content for imaginative writing in Scotland's national curriculum guidelines is problematic and that the definitions of process and context are not sufficiently coherent to provide a sound basis for planning and teaching story writing. Indicates how the writing criteria applied to national tests of writing…

Presents a study of outcomes of three methods of vocabulary instruction (i.e., the use of contextual cues, the use of definitions, and a mixed approach) when supplemented by computer-assisted instruction (CAI) using a mixed approach. Reports that CAI was effective with contextual only, definition only, and mixed approaches. (50 citations) (AJL)

Advocates using a linguistic approach to supplement teaching social studies vocabulary. Highlights advantages of teaching vocabulary through etymological analysis, including greater student interest, more precise definitions, and the approach's transferability. Disadvantages include the complexity of some prefix meanings. Concludes that this…

A 5-second constant time delay procedure was used to teach 10 word definitions to 3 fifth grade students with mild learning handicaps. All students learned the definitions in 8 to 9 sessions with students maintaining correct responding at 6, 10, and 14 weeks after training. Generalization was also observed. (Author/DB)

Summarizes linguistic research on the sound, shape, and meaning of phrases, and describes several classroom procedures for helping students become aware of the phonological rules underlying spoken English and incorporate that knowledge in developing a written voice. (MM)

Discusses the role of visual aids in second language teaching, focusing on their ability to represent sounds or structures; portray cultural features; provide situational awareness; and elicit verbal output, both controlled and free. (39 references) (MDM)

Ninety-three elementary school children were interviewed about fairness of selected practices for influencing motivation to learn. Responses reflected their purposes for learning and their definitions of learning. Children held diverse views and valued different rewards, suggesting that teachers should treat students as thoughtful moral agents…