Four ideas for language classroom activities are presented, including a counting and calculation game, an exercise for developing familiarity with the parts and style of a newspaper article, an activity to help adolescents anticipating travel in a French city, and analysis of the textual structure of a current events circle. (MSE)

Discusses the integration of videodisc technology into classrooms and presents criteria for evaluating the interactivity of videodiscs. Three levels of interactive videodiscs (IVD) are described, and a criteria checklist is included that evaluates skill development, simulation, feedback, the interaction of the student manual with the electronic…

The article describes typical conceptual problems that limit adolescents and young adults with learning disabilities in their efforts to become financially responsible. In a case study format, five money management problems are presented and resolved, including organizing financial records, budgeting, reconciling bank statements, and dividing…

Describes study of high school students that was conducted to determine whether instruction in a second programing language helps produce transfer of problem solving skills. The six dependent variables used in the study are discussed; pretests and posttests are described; and suggestions are made for further research. (36 references) (Author/LRW)

This literature review examines the effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction for developing the communication skills of individuals with mental retardation. It discusses the usefulness of computers in view of specific characteristics and special needs of learners, and discusses potential uses of computers in communication intervention,…

Discusses the successful incorporation of Paul Theroux's short story "White Lies" into the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) English course syllabus. Describes students' enthusiastic response to the short story as represented by lively discussion and improved writing performance. Recommends the short story as a means to…

Outlined are strategies for dealing with the problem of students' lack of ability to verbalize multi-syllable vocabulary words in the sciences. A pronunciation examination, the development of corollary writing skills, vocabulary development, student journals, writing exercises, and microthemes are discussed. (RT)

Examines the problems of using standardized tests to measure the development of early literacy. Notes that assessment is used to design instruction, and should reflect the skills and knowledge that are developing in young children. Provides examples of informal assessment contexts, such as interactive dialogues, observation, and performance…

States four concerns related to the California Framework for History-Social Science Education: (1) teacher preparation; (2) inadequate provisions for active learning in the skills strand; (3) the omission of science and technology; and (4) a neglect of the community close to the students. Concludes that the Framework does provide direction and…

Reviews trends in high school graduation and college enrollment rates, and academic preparation and performance. Offers the following strategies for improving academic preparation and performance: (1) adequate skills preparation; (2) academic student support services; and (3) positive motivation. (BJV)

Reading can become a central focus in family learning. Families should develop reading plans to encourage children to read. Families should develop their own home resource centers of books and other learning materials. (BJV)

The paper describes a software system which uses microcomputers to aid in the assessment of functional vision in visually impaired students. The software also aims to be visually stimulating and to develop hand-eye coordination, visual memory, and cognitive abilities. (DB)

Five articles describe improvements in instructional software designed to enhance problem solving skills. Issues addressed include problem solving software to implement curriculum goals; problem solving theory and writing theory; software for elementary and secondary school science instruction; software for mathematics instruction; and cognitive…

Students with learning difficulties can develop their literacy for daily living by using daily-living literature, which provides knowledge and skills for accomplishing some societal task. Daily-living materials approximate real-life materials and differ from general literacy materials in organization, style, and format. Suggestions are provided…

Seventh- and eighth-grade students with learning disabilities (n=29) who reasoned through factual prose sentences did not recall more information than students who were prompted to try to remember the content after each sentence. However, students trained in thinking skills produced more correct explanations of the information than control…