Most educational computer software currently available severely restricts the kinds of interaction that can take place between the student and the computer. In fact, an examination of 317 language arts programs listed in a directory of educational software shows that 60% of the programs were of the drill and practice type. In response to this…

A study investigated the effect of research-based instructional strategies on the reading achievement of students in grades two through five. Instructional process variables were assembled into a manual used to train 24 experimental teachers. The five categories of variables were (1) classroom environment, (2) lesson introduction, (3) lesson…

Defining aliteracy as the problem of persons who are able to read but choose not to, the conference papers in this compilation focus on whether aliteracy is a significant and growing problem, whether literacy is an important value, and how the survival of literacy can be ensured. Following an introduction to the purpose of the conference, the…

A strategy for teaching reading in college preparation courses of English as a second language that attempts to help students achieve reading independence, is presented. Skills of independent, flexible reading are outlined and a taxonomy of skill types (passive, active, and synthetic) and levels (mechanical, knowledge, transfer, response, and…

The orthodox view of reading as the accumulation of isolated skills continues to dominate classroom practice. Under this framework, prescriptions for problem readers usually involve intensified drills in the same basic skills to which the students failed to respond in the first place. Prevention entails the early and often precipitous examination…

As part of a larger evaluation of the Individually Guided Education (IGE) system in Wisconsin elementary schools, a comparative study was conducted of the effectiveness of reading instruction and the Wisconsin Design for Reading Skill Development (WDRSD) program in IGE and non-IGE settings. Data on students in grades five and two in 11 different…

Proposing that teachers can help children learn more effectively by promoting metacognition and the acquisition of problem solving strategies, this report describes research studying the effectiveness of the experimental curriculum, Informed Strategies for Learning (ISL), in increasing third and fifth grade students' reading comprehension skills.…

Teachers must continuously appraise student progress in reading achievement. Techniques to facilitate this appraisal include (1) teacher observation, (2) checklists, (3) teacher written tests, (4) criterion referenced tests, (5) standardized tests, (6) rating scales, (7) anecdotal records, and (8) conferences. Once a comprehensive program of…

This resource material, written by Georgia teachers and field tested statewide, provides 45 strategies--or motivational activities--to use as supplemental materials when students have difficulty mastering language arts skills. The strategies are listed alphabetically for easy reference and are presented as alternative ways to reinforce…

This handbook on teaching reading in vocational education is designed to provide vocational education teachers with a resource to use in helping students to develop sound reading skills. Provided in the handbook are information sheets, self-checks, practice activities, and suggestions for further reading dealing with the following topics:…

The Bridge Reading Program, a developmentally based teaching method that uses logographs, the pairing of words with pictures, for teaching prereading skills as well as the basic concepts of reading in the context of reading itself, is described in this handbook. The first two chapters contain background information, a rationale for the program,…

Developed for the Duval County Public Schools (Jacksonville, Florida), this manual gives elementary school teachers information on instructional program procedures. Section one is about the reading program and deals with placement procedures and criteria for kindergarten and first grade students, initial placement procedures for grades two-six,…

Based on the experiences of using computer-assisted reading instruction in middle schools, this pamphlet proceeds from the conviction that the use of a computer helps middle school students improve their reading. Following an introduction, the booklet is in seven sections: (1) Why Use Computers in Middle School Reading? (2) Software--The Heart of…

A study investigated whether 19 at-risk fifth-grade students would benefit from using Sustained Silent Reading. Ten students were exposed to 15 minutes of Sustained Silent Reading at least four times a week over the course of a school year, while nine students were not. All students were administered a pre- and post- self-concept inventory and a…

Some factors that should be considered when administering tests to adults include the following: (1) adults have a difficult time adapting to new things; (2) everyone resists change to some degree; (3) change requires new learning; (4) various things influence a person's ability to learn new things and make changes; (5) childhood events can…