Discusses varieties of feedback as a first step in understanding the dynamics of successful feedback practices and identifies common elements in the concepts of feedback and reinforcement for use in making management of the instructional encounter more effective. Instrumental feedback is discussed as a model for feedback among human beings. (MBR)

Describes a unique performance appraisal method known as "behaviorally anchored rating scales" (BARS) which is especially useful for managers of instructional developers. Steps and procedures used to collaboratively construct BARS for a particular position are discussed, and factors to consider when planning any appraisal system are…

The author sees S. Reis and J. Renzulli's case for a broadened conception of giftedness as being conceputally weak; points out the theoretical short-comings of the enrichment triad; and suggests that the "Revolving Door Identification Model" is accommodating and misleading. (Author/CL)

Suggests that careless use of technical terms has resulted in misunderstandings and less precise communication. Defines position, job, occupation, career, and vocation, providing illustrations of each, to help professionals communicate more effectively with their clients and with each other. (JAC)

Etymologically, industrial arts and technology seem to differ. The movement to change industrial arts education to technology education raises serious historical and philosophical questions about the orientation and basis of the curriculum. (SK)

Attempts to redefine the meaning of the two Spanish verbs "saber" and "conocer" and explores some possible extralinguistic factors affecting their usage. Shows that "conocer" represents knowledge which is firsthand and that this type of knowledge is a building block for the more thorough, systematic knowledge represented by "saber." (SED)

Suggests that Bialystok and Ryan's theory, as outlined in this issue, may be too simplistic in terms of the categories created to define metalinguistic skills. Points out that the effort does promote examination of the term "metalinguistic skill" in light of developmental data and illustrates how theories of the development of these…

A review of the literature concluded that (1) hearing impairment and any additional handicapping condition constitutes a multihandicap; (2) one-third of all hearing-impaired students are estimated to be multihandicapped; (3) appropriate school programs are lacking; (4) there is a scarcity of teacher training programs in this area; and (5) training…

Examines the treatment of sense discrimination in eight Spanish/English English/Spanish bilingual dictionaries and one specialized dictionary. Does this by analyzing 30 words that Torrents des Prats determined have at least nine different sense discriminations from English into Spanish. Larousse was found to be far superior to the others. (SED)

To determine the degree of controversy or consensus regarding definitions at the state level, questionnaires focusing on six learning disability topics were sent to each state education agency (SEA) and the District of Columbia. In general, more consensus than controversy exists when broad areas are considered. Changes in some SEA definitions…

Reviews historical thinking about visual literacy; addresses the issue of setting visual literacy's parameters; provides a rationale linking individuals in an otherwise multidisciplinary movement; proposes a redefinition of visual literacy; and postulates proposals designed to foster further development and understanding of the theoretical…

A total of 50 children between 6 and 13 years of age were tested for a predicted, eight-step sequence of family role concepts. Dolls representing typical roles were used as props, and each child was asked questions concerning role explanations and increasingly abstract family definitions. The sequence was found to be scalable and age-related.…

Defines the engineering method by: (1) giving a preliminary definition and examples of its essential term (heuristics); (2) comparing the definition to a popular alternative; and (3) presenting a simple form of the definition. This definition states that the engineering method is the use of engineering heuristics. (JN)

This paper examines the merits of contrary assumptions about the prospects for providing a strict definition of"teaching." The author contends there is reason to believe that the concept of teaching is polymorphous. (JMK)

The core of geography consists of endeavors that touch base with five core elements: landscape, maps, hypotheses, processes, and models/generalizations. All geographers have common or shared interests whether they be geomorphologists or behavioralists; many of the divisions that characterize the discipline are dysfunctional and unnecessary.…