The psychological and methodological bases of the Agassi teaching method are described to provide a context for evaluating the theory. A brief history of Selzian psychology and Popper's methodology is given. The Agassi method, which stresses learning through questioning, is detailed. (JL)

The impact of ICAI systems on teacher role, classroom structure, educational goals and preservice teacher training are discussed. The artificial intelligence research community is urged to consider the societal impact of its work. (Author/JL)

Whole language learning, which is often defined in abstract terms, is discussed in terms of its rationale, its practical applications, its implications for how communication skills are taught, and its classroom implementation. (JL)

Reviews five composition textbooks, assessing their attempts to integrate the reading and writing processes through literature and composition. Examines the textbooks' theoretical instantiation and notes their lack of success in achieving the reading/writing connection. (MM)

In response to Kenneth Kavale's theoretical objections to the model of severe discrepancy in determining the existence of learning disabilities, this article describes advantages of discrepancy considerations and presents a model that emphasizes the role of the learning disabilities teacher in diagnosing and remediating specific learning…

This critique of H. Lee Swanson's "Toward a Metatheory of Learning Disabilities" comments on Swanson's concept of learning disabilities, cognitive science, and information processing theory. A different research and theory-building agenda is proposed, focusing on society's definition of learning disabilities and instructional issues and…

Provides an overview of research relative to achievement in the area of similarity. Suggests activities which might improve student understanding of the concept. (PK)

Offers a model of assessment for disabled readers that yields information not only about current performance but also about the potential for learning. (FL)

Suggests that an interpretive view of communication, with philosophical assumptions about the nature of persons and communication, provides a perspective from which scholars study argumentation. Presents arguments supporting the value of the interpretive perspective, and answers criticisms by showing how those criticisms are grounded in…

Proposes a "critical mass" explanation for the diffusion of interactive media, such as telephone, electronic mail, or computer conferencing, within communities. Considers two special characteristics of interactive media: (1) that widespread usage creates universal access, and (2) that use entails interdependence, in which earlier users…

Describes a framework used to develop study procedures that support language learning and decision making in language teaching, with particular focus on the teaching of English as a foreign language. (Author/CB)

Assessed efficacy of concept of updating climate to prevent obsolescence in professional knowledge and skills, gathering data from engineers and their supervisors. Showed technical updating climate construct distinguished among organizations under different pressures for technological innovation; demonstrated interobserver consensus within…

Describes the use of transparency theory in second language acquisition and, in particular, its use as applied to a survival- or entry-level Spanish-language training effort called the EXITO project. The use of audio and video equipment to enhance the application of transparency theory concepts is also described. (Author/CB)

Proposes a new way of discussing the writing process by drawing a line between Piaget's cognitive egocentrism and Vygotsky's inner speech. (FL)

Offers a technique for describing classroom content during a literature subject period of the day. (NKA)