Describes instructional materials developed by the Close Up Foundation for use in its various programs. Asserts that the books, videotapes, and simulations meet student and teacher needs for relevant, high-interest, instructional materials. Concludes with a description of the development process used by the foundation. (CFR)

Describes the MAGIC ME program in which urban middle school students visit and form relationships with the elderly in nursing homes. The importance of meaningful long-term service is demonstrated through anecdotes of the interaction between students and older adults. MAGIC ME has a history of success in many communities. (SLD)

Asserts that teaching social studies in the primary grades can be an exhilarating experience for teachers and encourages long-term interest in investigating the world among students. Maintains that cooperative learning, student research activities, integration of children's literature, writing and the arts, and the use of educational technology…

Presents results of a survey of school library media centers in 1995 and 1996 that was conducted to examine technology use. Highlights include growth in Internet access, increased CD-ROM use, local area networks, distance education, funding sources, staffing, expenditures for technology, library collections, and librarian/teacher and…

Describes library reorganization at the University of Arizona resulting from fiscal challenges and the need for current technology. Highlights include: the restructuring process and customer focus; team functioning and the learning organization, including training issues, communication, empowerment, and evaluation/assessment; current challenges,…

Describes a followup study to previous research into midcareer educators' tendencies to label older colleagues as resisters to Oregon schools' restructuring efforts. Results show that such attitudes stigmatize individuals and inhibit their responses in ways that hamper the change process. More respect for lifelong professional learning is needed.…

Surveys 320 Japanese families residing temporarily in the United Kingdom about their language use and language needs and the priorities they attach to their children's learning of English and Japanese. Examines English and Japanese in the children's linguistic environment, including language used with parents, siblings, and care givers;…

Interviews with 103 limited-English-proficient middle school students in California examined student and parent attitudes toward learning English, student use of English with family and friends, homework and study assistance, participation in extracurricular activities, and the influence of frequent absences and years of English instruction on…

Indepth research on Chinese students questions Western notions regarding motivation and memorization. Chinese educators believe creativity and understanding require much effort, repetition, and attention. Time on task and behavioral problems may be less relevant. Reform efforts using transplanted ideas must consider both societies' contexts.…

Outlines a method for teaching a college-level introductory second-language course entirely online, using a distance learning approach that incorporates electronic messaging, multimedia, World Wide Web, and Internet assignments. The course structure, pedagogical issues, and one university's experience with on-line courseware discussed, and student…

A review of research on second-language writing instruction looks at four research approaches: the language and culture students bring with them to the classroom; contexts in which teaching/learning take place; the shape of the language curriculum; and academic writing and English for academic purposes. Attention is given to English as a Second…

A review of literature on content-based second-language instruction, in both English and other second languages, describes the impact of content-based instruction on instructional, assessment, and teacher-training practices and examines its role as a setting for research and methodological innovation. It concludes with a discussion of ongoing…

Defines the distinction between a "doing to" approach to children as the imposition of adult will on children and the "working with" approach as good listening, responsive teaching, and a collaborative approach of community-building. Challenges Montessori teachers to improve their craft and move from "doing to" to…

Describes one university's experiment with joining elementary students and preservice teachers in intergenerational literature discussion circles to enhance preservice teachers' learning about reading and the teaching of reading. Both groups enjoyed the literature circles. Resulting themes provided insights about the reading process, the nature of…

This study investigated register features of 164 foreign students' English writing before and after full-time courses in English for academic purposes. Results indicate the major changes were from features of spoken English to those more typical of formal writing, both in surface detail and in more fundamental characteristics. Less change occurred…