The computer has become an indispensable tool for teachers. Presently, many teachers are making efforts to master needed computer application skills. This study first focused on the differences between novice and experienced users to identify possible task-oriented factors that might help novice users overcome the learning curve. Errors frequently…

The learner's role in acquiring cognitive and interpersonal skills in a first-year medical school course in neurobiology (12 students) that used a small-group, problem-based teaching method. Objectives of the study were to: (1) determine the cognitive and interpersonal skills the students believed were important; (2) evaluate how well the students…

This document reports on a conference that was convened by Educational Equity Concepts, Inc. and the New York Academy of Sciences. Disciplines that were represented included child development, special education, early childhood education, sociology, psychology, physics, mathematics, assessment, teacher education, parent involvement, economics, and…

Intended for parents with infants, this book is a collection of 230 simple, fun-filled games that can be played with infants from birth to age 1 year. The book begins with guidelines for growth in motor, auditory, visual, language, cognitive, and self-concept skills from birth to 6 months and from 6 to 12 months. The remainder of the book presents…

An action research project implemented a program for the development of citizenship, cultural awareness, and positive character attributes. Targeted population consisted of middle and high school students in several growing, middle class communities located in northern Illinois. Problems of lack of awareness and sensitivity are documented through…

This report demonstrates that alternative assessments, nonstandardized ways of assessment, are more comprehensive ways of exhibiting student achievement. Alternative assessment includes such things as portfolios, checklists, rubrics, surveys, student-involved assignments, and reflections. The population for this study consisted of fifth, seventh,…

In its fall 2002 session, the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges passed a resolution seeking support for policies that will improve instruction and student support services for underprepared students. This document aims to provide a basis for improving basic skills instruction and services by providing a survey of the current…

This unit of study explores elements of wonder, distortion, fantasy, and whimsy in Lewis Carroll's beloved classic "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." In the unit, students explore concepts about Wonderland and then listen to the opening chapters of "The Nursery Alice," Carroll's adaptation for younger readers and view Sir John…

This digest examines reading approaches, identifies characteristics of fluent readers, and makes suggestions for developing reading instruction for adult English language learners. The reading instruction methods described include the phonics, psycholinguistic, interactive, and critical literacy approaches. Fluent readers are defined as those who…

First-year evaluation results of Iowa's Basic Skills Certification pilot program were reported for the four community colleges participating: Northeast Iowa, Des Moines Area, Western Iowa Tech, and Iowa Western. The pilot sites represented a variety of adult basic education instructional environments that included a workforce development center,…

A survey of graduate skills was conducted based on the responses of over 1,000 people who completed Higher National Diploma or first degree art, design, media, and related courses at The London Institute. It assessed what skills respondents acquired and developed during their course and compared these with the range of skills used in their…

This article describes two techniques for using debate as an instructional method with undergraduate and graduate students in a health occupations teacher education program. Faculty and students involved with the debate process enjoy the debate method and find it encourages independent study, group discussion, and leadership development. (Author)

Upgrading workers' skills to ensure continued regional economic growth was the theme emerging from a three-day Appalachian regional conference. Participants discussed problems and made recommendations in four workshops: Future Jobs in Appalachia; Directions for Vocational Education; State Training to Support Economic Development; and Improving…

A reply to a critique of the article "Integration of Basic Skills: The Great Deception in Elementary Social Studies" (Social Studies, Nov-Dec 1982), this article argues that reading about social studies will not teach social attitudes or problem-solving behaviors. (RM)

The heaviest burden of unemployment is borne by youth from minority groups, families with poverty-level incomes, and both central city and rural areas. Schools are in a unique and advantageous position to improve the preparation and prospects of unemployed youth. (Author/GC)