Reports on introspective and retrospective accounts from test takers, in an attempt to examine the validity of reading and test-taking "skills." It is noted that there are clearly certain skills or processes involved in answering test items in a particular format that are not necessarily specified by the test writer. (15 references) (GLR)

Offers a description of a capstone course for undergraduates (majoring in either organizational or interpersonal communication) designed to help students understand and manage the interconnections between their personal and work lives. Discusses course assignments and evaluation as well as student response. (SR)

Gives an account of how several English teachers in two different schools used portfolio responses to re-form the content of their classes. Outlines the positive effects of such portfolio-based course assessment and learning. (HB)

Examines whether literacy assignments included characteristics that foster student learning and motivation. Interviews six elementary school teachers and their principal. Finds that accountability pressures to increase standardized test scores strongly influenced reading and language arts instruction. Finds that students seldom completed classwork…

Techniques for increasing honesty of student self-report measures, the inaccessible coding system and the alphabet-soup response form, were investigated in a study involving over 1,200 high school students. Both techniques were regarded favorably by students. Because both enhance anonymity, it appears that they could be used jointly. (SLD)

Examines some of the issues attached to the egalitarianism narrative, which has rapidly gained credence in the composition field and which serves as a powerful term of authorization. Pursues the question of egalitarianism in the computer networked composition classroom using an interpretive methodology. (RS)

The reactions of 60 gifted students and 60 regular students in grades 4, 6, and 8 to an audiotape of age-appropriate riddles, jokes, puns, satire, and nonhumorous items were compared. Results indicated that gifted subjects performed significantly higher in spontaneous mirth response and comprehension of verbal humor than the general population…

Explains the rationale for the use of Spanish music in Spanish language classes, and describes students' reactions, how the music is used to help the listening/writing experience, and how recorded commercials in Spanish aid in learning language patterns. (GLR)

Student response to learning styles at a private middle school in Minnesota has been overwhelmingly positive. The information in a student's Learning Style Inventory profile often helps parents grasp their child's approach to learning. Learning styles practices are encouraged by faculty miniworkshops and inhouse training sessions. (MLH)

Investigates the need to include computer screens in documentation for software using a graphical user interface. Describes the uses and purposes of "minimal manuals" and their principles. Studies student reaction to their use of one of three on-screen manuals: screens, icon, and button. Finds some benefit for including icon and button…

Examines findings from a study of six elementary school cohorts designed to explore each cohort's attitudes toward reading, reading sources, and places at home where they read. Results indicate that the differences between boys and girls became progressively fewer as the age group increased. Implications for reading policy and practice are…

Examines student responses to four versions of the Noah's Ark tale. Finds that the second- and fourth-grade children were interested in talking about the visuals in picture books. Notes a wide range in the amount of writing children did in response to the art, and that the written products were far less skilled and spirited than the discussion.…

As staff, students, and parents at a Long Island high school discovered, resolving the complicated issues surrounding the death of a beloved teacher and coach is not easy. In this case, there was unwavering support for a basketball coach dying of cancer and for students and staff afterward. Crisis intervention worked because responsible adults…

Examines students' use of higher-order thinking as they use an interactive multimedia program based on a situated learning framework. Analysis of types of talk used by students working with the program shows the majority of their thinking was higher-order. Findings suggest such a program can provide a learning environment capable of supporting and…

Describes development and implementation stages of a peer mediation program at an Illinois middle school. A key principle in the project was student ownership. It was important to let the mediators take disputants through a clearly defined process to arrive at a settlement. Despite time management problems, the program has been a success. (10…