This discussion of teaching science as a design activity emphasizes open-ended problem solving. Highlights include the relationship between teachers and students; hypotheses as solutions; and descriptions of four microworlds, or computer simulations, in chemistry, geography, physiology, and genetics which use graphic interfaces. (LRW)

Describes five two-way bilingual education programs in Massachusetts: three in Boston, one in Holyoke, and one in Lawrence. Names and addresses of contact persons at each school are included. (PS)

Fifty-one adult Spanish speakers at three levels of ESL ability were tested in both their elicited imitation (production) and act-out (comprehension) of complex sentences that were structurally identical. Analysis of variance results indicate that production tests, not comprehension tests, principally evaluate a learner's structural knowledge.…

Data collected from both native and non-native speakers' linguistic performances in five request and seven apology situations revealed a systematic difference in length of utterance in speech acts by non-native speakers as compared to native speakers. Deviation from native norms of utterance length can cause pragmatic failure in several ways.…

Discusses several ways of teaching about constellations. Includes background and historical information, suggestions on visiting a planetarium, and a bibliography for sources of constellation stories, computer courseware, and constellation slides. Suggests ways of having students produce their own constellation slides. (TW)

The article presents the rationale behind development by the Council for Learning Disabilities of a set of competencies for teachers of learning disabled children. Competencies cover the areas of oral language, reading, written expression, spelling, mathematics, cognition, behavioral management, counseling/consulting, career/vocational education,…

Three articles discuss teacher training and the use of microcomputers in elementry and secondary school curriculums. Highlights include microcomputers in British primary schools; the University of Chicago School Math Project; computer training for teachers in Iceland; learning and educational change; and introducing elementary school teachers to…

Appropriate instruction for culturally and linguistically diverse children requires distinguishing among individual needs related to culture, language, poverty, mobility, and exceptionalities. Presented are suggestions regarding prereferral, assessment, curriculum, parental involvement, and program coordination for Black, Hispanic, Asian, and…

Summarizes some preliminary findings from research into the nature and effect of various discourse modifications by a native speaker to a language learner. These modifications include (1) idiom avoidance; (2) comprehension checks and pauses; and (3) selection of information. An informal experiment gauging foreign students' impression of…

Describes a strategy to motivate adult basic education students to comprehend text in a manner that draws on their background knowledge and is based on peer interaction. (RS)

The current service delivery structure of vocational education does not hold at-risk learning-disabled (LD) students in school. LD graduates who complete skill-centered vocational courses are still vocationally disadvantaged when compared to nonhandicapped peers. Vocational education is not related to LD postschool success. (BJV)

Discusses characteristics of instructional modules that deal with the relationship between science, technology, and society (STS). Provides reviews of 14 print modules and one video that cover such topics as air and water quality, consumer science, genetics, nuclear energy, space, and technological issues. (TW)

A method for integrating theory and practice in English as a second language teacher training is outlined. The model's steps include videotaping a teaching session; review and discussion of the videotape; evaluation of the lesson's most and least effective elements; and studying theoretical issues brought up through study of the tape. (CB)

This meta-analysis of 49 comparative studies shows that mastery testing has positive effects on student learning, but the size of effect depends on the stringency of the criterion used and the degree of experimental control. The effects of instructional time, student attitudes, and differences in ability levels are also addressed. (Author/LRW)

A transdisciplinary therapy model that integrates visual services into the student's total educational program is illustrated by a case report of a 19-year-old male with multiple handicaps. Traditional domain areas (cognition, communication, motor, and self-help) are linked to environmental domains (domestic living, community training,…