This essay examines the impact of the new information age on education by identifying the traditional barriers that have impeded the successful application of media and technology in teaching, indicating emerging trends to which we need to adjust, and suggesting strategies to better utilize technology in teaching. (25 references) (EJS)

Reports an investigation into pupil-talk in small groups during a computer simulation. The role of language as a communication and understanding aid is considered, along with the microcomputer's potential as a stimulus to and generator of discussion. The contents of participants' conversations, at and away from the microcomputer, are analyzed.…

Examines the state-of-the-art of intelligent videodisc systems and of the aspects of instructional theory that have implications for design of hardware, software, and courseware for such systems. Some problems inhibiting the introduction of videodisc systems into education are discussed along with solutions to these inhibiting factors. (MBR)

The use of graduate students in the behavioral sciences to supervise undergraduate research is a viable approach. To be successful such a program must involve well prepared and highly motivated graduate and undergraduate students, and there must be a congenial and open relationship between the two. (RM)

The extent to which students in preprofessional programs used academic resources to assist them in making decisions about a change of major or college was studied. Undergraduates who changed majors were expected to rely primarily on the University Bulletin for program information. (MLW)

The advantages and requirements for offering a second chance to students who have failed, by forgiving a poor academic record, are discussed and supported by findings from a survey of institutions and the results of several experimental programs. (MSE)

Urges creation of national certification boards in several educational fields to justify highly qualified elementary and secondary teachers who could then be eligible for higher pay. Cites arguments against merit pay, explains how certification boards would defuse union opposition, and examines drawbacks in recent federal efforts to encourage…

A strategy used to make a secondary Canadian civics course come alive is described. Students were given copies of "Hansard," each copy covering one day in the life of Canada's House of Commons. Each student selected four issues and explained how the federal government works with regard to the issues. (RM)

Concludes that providing black children with the inspiration, correct environment, and materials can allow them to express themselves in the ways they know best. Offers suggestions for teachers working with dialect speakers and a list of reading materials. (FL)

A skeptical review of recent congressional task force recommendations for public school teachers, which include only a limited endorsement of merit pay and strong encouragement for sabbatical leave for teachers to study and travel abroad. (JBM)

Effects of alternative modules designed to compensate for precourse memory and motivation differences were investigated for differences in content and task requirement. Interaction analyses on lesson times-to-criterion and criterion test scores indicated compensating treatments were partially effective in improving performance of low-memory,…

Describes a "Talents Unlimited" program, based on the work of Calvin Taylor, that was used successfully in a class of fifth-grade remedial readers. Includes some of the activities devised by members of the class. (FL)

Students who score highest on the California Achievement Tests in reading and mathematics come from close, supportive family networks with strong educational and social direction from parents. These students also have positive educational experiences, highly developed social networks outside of their families, and identify strongly with positive…

Describes and assesses different explanations for the low reading achievement level amongst Afro-American children and critiques traditional attempts to remedy this dilemma. Recommends a holistic approach that fuses cultural difference and social structural approaches to reading and acknowledges that motivational processes are central. (RDN)

Argues that the best way to improve teachers' performance and morale is to provide more paid time for essential teaching tasks. Six suggestions are provided: reduce class size; provide clerical help; delegate responsibility; provide student assistants; seek help from parents; provide monthly (nonteaching) work days. (TE)