Criticizes views of literacy represented by Hirsch, Farrell, and others for assuming (1) the priority of alphabetic literacy over the social uses of orthographies; (2) a stable external world; (3) that literacy can be taught by skills instruction; and (4) that teachers are the centers of authority. Argues with reference to theoretical linguistics,…

Discusses the use of psychoanalytic techniques to probe written works for their inherent biases of interpretation. Uses the authors' experience of teaching basic writers to analyze Freud's "Dora: An Analysis of a Case of Hysteria," in order to expose Freud's biases in interpreting Dora's experiences. (JC)

Suggestions for narrowing the discrepancy between the knowledge base of early communication development and the implementation of effective communication interventions for severely handicapped infants and young children are offered including strategies for facilitating emerging language development, increasing positive interactions with infants,…

Addresses the relevance of cognitive research in memory processes and auditory information processing for the resolution of policy issues concerning the regulation of popular music. Offers several assumptions regarding music listening, and suggests appropriate research methods for resolving questions surrounding music listening and regulation.…

The eight-phase process Ohio uses to address major educational policy questions is briefly described, and its strengths and weaknesses noted. General comments are made about state-level education policymaking. (JL)

Discusses pedagogical implications of recent theory and research on response to literature. Contends that now teachers must be aware of readers, the text, and the context in which a text is read and discussed. (MS)

Suggests that children, even in early elementary grades, can grasp basic elements of children's literature using a spiralled sequence story curriculum, which helps them examine types of character, such as the trickster; elements of plot, such as the journey; and generally see patterns in the stories they read. (JC)

Demonstrates the applicability of the speech act theory, which can help foreign language students appreciate the refinements of their target language's rhetorical devices through increased understanding of cultural and literary experiences. (CB)

Introduces three essays--in the second of two issues of College English devoted to psychoanalysis and literature--on psychoanalytic theory, literature, and the roles of teachers in helping students situate themselves in relation to knowledge and in breaking through students' resistance as they read. (JC)

Compares psychoanalytic, systems, and social learning theories to determine the empirical support for each theoretical orientation in treating problematic conflict between parents and adolescents. Discusses parent-adolescent conflict, including developmental stage theory, parenting styles, peer pressures, communication skills, marital conflict,…

Discusses five practical and necessary features of language learning theory: audio-oral phenomenon, linking creativity and control, temporary separation of language components, contrastive analysis, and language learning via instruction. Major language theories and technologies in light of their theoretical justifications versus their realistic…

Investigates the evaluation processes used in preschools, focusing on such issues as the extent to which (1) teachers use standards to support their evaluations; (2) whether standards teachers use are congruent with those that research and theory suggest would be used by preschool children; and (3) the extent to which teachers make causal…

Explores the question of whether the failure of the MHITIP, designed to change teachers' behavior and student engaged rates in reading and mathematics, was related to a lack of maintenance of program skills or a failure of the program to increase student achievement. (Author/HOD)

Focuses on two philosophical views of reading, the traditional ("bottom-up") view and an alternative ("interactive") view, along with the implications they hold for shaping reading instructional programs. The differences these two views make in decisions that shape the reading program are illustrated in a kindergarten and…

Discusses ways in which personal and digressive talk can develop young readers' responses to literature. (HOD)