The SIMILE model for teaching thinking skills is described and protocol materials that used the model to teach the concept of power are presented. Thinking skills in the SIMILE model include imaging, dissection, conceptualization, definition, relational analysis, and analogy. When teaching thinking skills using the SIMILE model, curriculum…

This issue of "Basic Education" is devoted to the arts in education as a concern that should be addressed in a time of new priorities for the curriculum. Five articles and a book review are included. The opening article, "The State of the Arts in Education: Envisioning Active Participation By All" (Virginia Robinson),…

B. S. Bloom's theory of school learning states that three independent variables account for most of the variation in students' achievement: cognitive entry behaviors (CEB), affective entry characteristics, and the quality of instruction. These variables determine the nature of learning outcomes--level and type of achievement, rate of learning, and…

A manual to help students analyze public policy issues in a systematic and well-informed way is presented, with emphasis on the conceptual, information-gathering, and analytical skills required. The text is intended for two major audiences: (1) introductory college-level courses in political science, public policy, or social science research; and…

An overview of a demonstration program in reading designed to improve students' reading skills and their attitudes toward reading at the middle school level is described in this booklet. Following introductory information about the program, the booklet lists some highlights of the program, including testing methods, student contracts, the point…

The Corny Cookie Corner is a vocational programming component offered to special education students in North Fayette Community Schools, West Union, Iowa. The project's primary goal is to help students develop appropriate jobsmanship skills and work attitudes prior to vocational placement in off-campus sites. The project consists of a…

It is argued that professional education should be centered on enhancing the professional person's ability for "reflection-in-action," which is learning by doing and developing the ability for continued learned throughout the professional's career. Examples are drawn from an architectural design studio and the arts to demonstrate how…

This practicum was designed to improve parents' skills in managing the behavior of their elementary/middle school behaviorally disordered children in the home setting. The goals were: (1) to train parents to act assertively and communicate in a more positive manner with their children; (2) to teach parents the techniques of basic behavior…

Junior Great Books discussions were used to teach critical thinking skills and independent learning behaviors to learning-disabled 5th-grade students. In baseline observations, the seven learning-disabled students exhibited active off-task behaviors and disruptive behavior causing dismissal from the group, while seven students in a…

Specific and understandable suggestions are offered to parents of severely visually impaired children who have or may have the capacity to learn visually. Parents can assist children with even a small amount of vision to develop that vision from an early age. Vision development begins by ensuring that the child receives appropriate medical and…

Pointing out the current need for emphasis on academic achievement and excellence, this paper discusses challenges faced by educators in seeking to make the best use of advanced technologies to prepare students for life in the information society. The three major goals of education are identified as preparing individuals with the computer skills…

A study examined a group career decision-making treatment for community college students and attempted to determine the following: (1) the effects of group career decision-making skills, appropriateness of occupational choice, and frequency of information-seeking behavior; (2) the relationship between decision-making skills and the appropriateness…

A guide to the planning and implementation of elementary school foreign language (FLES) programs presents statements of opinion and experience in various aspects of program development by a number of experts. An introductory section outlines basic program planning considerations, and a second chapter describes the work of the American Association…

Manitoba's Frontier School Division hired 18 local native adults to work as school counselors to be trained for over 24 months in a Competency Based Training and Education Program. The program, based on individual and work needs, combined classroom and on-the-job training in a 5-step process: job description, task definition, knowledge and skill…

In a project led by Research for Better Schools (RBS), educators work with researchers to improve basic skills learning. Based on research findings relating the amount of time allocated for instruction and student achievement, one school made scheduling changes to reduce the time spent moving from one classroom to another. Other classroom…