Theories of human cognition and language suggest that there is a gap between the phases of perception and the phases of production of language. Unfortunately, this is often forgotten in language teaching, so that beginners' courses too frequently contain simplified and non-authentic linguistic input to assure that output does not lag too far…

Instruction in using the library and its tools is assessed in this report, which explores the effectiveness of course-integrated bibliographic instruction for graduate students. When a search of the ERIC database and a request for information from LOEX (Library Orientation and Instruction Exchange) yielded few sources, the literature pertaining to…

This comparative study evaluated the writing growth of 97 college freshman before and after instruction to determine if a process-centered mode of teaching had a more significant impact than a traditional form-centered mode of instruction on discourse coherence in composition. The study used a pretest/posttest, quasi-experimental design with both…

Many students in the United States do not possess a sound geographic vocabulary. This study compared two instructional methods, drill and varied activities, that might be used to develop that vocabulary. Eighth-grade social studies classes at three sites (one urban, one rural, and one transitional) were used to assess learning of the 50 United…

This project trained 52 severely handicapped children (ages 3-12) on communication skills using microprocessor technology. Data analyses showed discernible effect of the additional computer training when compared to regular classroom communication training alone. Effects were strongest on a direct criterion-referenced measure of vocabulary taught.…

This paper is based on an analysis of 83 syllabuses and/or catalog descriptions of courses on the politics of education, educational policymaking, and policy analysis received from members of the Politics of Education Association in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. This material provided information on what topics were…

A study was designed to improve fifth-graders' limited use of comprehension monitoring processes during reading through a self-instructional approach. Thirty-nine average and superior comprehenders were tested on their ability to detect inconsistencies contained in short essays prior to, immediately after, and one week after participation in one…

A survey of 14 leading language arts, children's literature, and reading methods books, as well as professional journal articles and other notable books on reading to children, yielded a total of eight recommendations made by more than half of the authors, including the following: (1) prepare by previewing the book, (2) read with expression, (3)…

A study was conducted to explore first grade students' conceptions of reading and writing, and how those conceptions may be associated with and influenced by the type of reading instruction they receive. The study was conducted in three separate classrooms, each based upon theoretically different models of literacy learning: (1) a content-centered…

Several studies of the differences in teacher and learner perceptions of the usefulness of certain teaching techniques and activities reveal clear mismatches between learners' and teachers' views of language learning. The differences seem to be due to the sociocultural background and previous learning experiences of the learners and the influence…

A study was conducted to assess the psychological effectiveness of cooperative small group learning among junior college students with less than 11th grade skill levels. Three English classes, reflecting the overall student population, were chosen. All classes met three days a week and had the same instructor and out-of-class assignments. Two of…

The adjustment of medical school faculty members to a new curriculum, called problem-based learning, was studied. Nineteen faculty members who taught in both a lecture-based and tutorial program over 2 academic years were surveyed. Besides the teacher-centered approach, the other model of learning was student-centered and could be conducted in…

To evaluate whether changes in theory and research on the basic processes in reading comprehension have led to changes in classroom practice, a study conducted a modified replication of a 1967 study by F. J. Guszak. In the 1967 study, Guszak recorded and analyzed reading group story discussions for students and teachers in grades 2, 4, and 6,…

This review of the literature on computer assisted instruction (CAI) focuses on the use of CAI with grades K-13, and specifically assesses the relative merits of traditional instruction and CAI in promoting student achievement. Also assessed are the applications of CAI in the area of special education. Three types of reviews are used exclusively:…

Adoption of a value analysis program is proposed to aid colleges in identifying and implementing educationally sound labor-saving devices and procedures, enabling them to meet more students' needs at less cost with no quality reduction and a minimum of staff resistance. Value analysis is defined as a method for studying how well a product does…