This handbook contains activities and other resources to help students in grades 8 through 11 develop an understanding of and appreciation for the folk culture of the Arkansas Ozark. Intended to be used as the basic textbook for a semester course, the handbook can also be used as a supplemental text for a folklore or local history unit in English,…

Provides historical perspective on the contributions of learning and instruction to instructional theory and discusses some major obstacles currently inhibiting its growth. Suggestions for future development of this discipline are provided. Emphasis is placed on the process of theory construction perceived by philosophers of natural and social…

Argues that an academic discipline displays certain characteristics and functions, and explores the question whether distance education, in its current state, reflects these characteristics. A need for further research is noted, and examples of topics about which analyses and theories are needed are included. (MBR)

Examines advantages of using videogame format for training, including practicality, relatively inexpensive hardware, ability to use multi-purpose software modules, motivational advantages of increased student interest and instructional effectiveness, and instructional features such as the adaptive interactive nature of videogames. An example of a…

This book is a guide for parents and teachers to Asperger syndrome, a condition in which individuals have significant social and language peculiarities while simultaneously showing normal development and function in some areas of their lives. Chapter 1 provides an overview of Asperger syndrome, including definitions and characteristics. Chapter 2…

This literature review examines the relationship between phonemic awareness and the ability to read. It addresses four main issues: (1) if phonemic awareness is a prerequisite for or a consequence of learning to read; (2) what is needed to teach phonemic awareness; (3) tasks or activities and assessment tools to develop phonemic awareness; and (4)…

This paper explores whether new information technologies are appropriate for use with young children. The paper concentrates on theories related to young children's use of "new media." Sections are: (1) "Defining the New Media by Its Functions"; (2) "Constructivism and Interaction with New Media"; (3) "The…

Two studies demonstrated the usefulness of single-subject research in providing a teacher with empirical support for using one method of instruction rather than another for a particular special-needs child. Drill-and-practice software helped older hearing impaired students learn to spell and define new words. (RH)

The reported practices of 25 elementary school teachers related to teaching mathematics with manipulatives, and reasons offered in support of instructional methodologies, were studied. Results reveal a wide range of interpretations of the term manipulatives and much variation in practice, highlighting a gap between research theory and practice.…

Provides a definition and description of the response process and a description of the teacher's role. Describes ERMAA (experiencing the literary work, responding, mapping and analyzing multiple responses, and affirming the inherent individuality of response), a one-week strategy designed to facilitate literary response in the classroom. (RS)

Describes special education in Spain, specifically for children with learning disabilities (LD). Discusses the broad definition used in Spain, relevant Spanish legislation, and proposed school reform. Also described are the support services model, assessment practices, and instructional approaches for LD in Spain. Educational implications of…

Basic information for regular classroom teachers with students who are both gifted and learning disabled covers definition of this population; incidence; characteristics; and six teaching strategies, such as flexibility in how student demonstrates mastery of material, adapting for reading differences, and using attention-directing techniques. A…

In this essay, the author notes a danger concerning the general approach to teaching about the arts through improper use of the concepts "aesthetic" and "artistic." Observing that both concepts are often used interchangeably, with "aesthetic" being seen as the more generic term, the author argues that these concepts are separate and should be…

This guidebook for California teachers of gifted students discusses common issues and concerns, suggests solutions, and identifies resources. Part 1, in question and answer format, covers: characteristics of gifted students, identification, curriculum and instruction, classroom management, special challenges, characteristics of teachers of gifted…

In societies with rich oral traditions in which knowledge and wisdom are transmitted by way of mouth, through recitation, song and drama, the inability to read and write does not mean ignorance or lack of intelligence. Literacy is, however, essential for gaining legal and socioeconomic rights. Literacy campaigns should therefore involve changing…