Describes roles libraries play in battling illiteracy, and the need for schools to adopt some of these practices. Uses as examples the efforts of one children's librarian. Discusses interaction in storytelling; obstacles students face in learning to read; picture books and visual storytelling; parental involvement; adult literacy programs; and the…

Compares preservice teachers' and scientists' ratings of the credibility of 31 information sources that teachers might draw upon in teaching science lessons. Discusses differences between elementary and secondary preservice teachers as well as implications for science teacher education and scientific literacy. (Author/LRW)

Discusses ways in which cooking and food can be used to integrate school library media programs into the curriculum. Topics include gender consciousness; family literacy; alternative formats for special physical or learning challenges; history and social studies applications; world cultures; and cookbooks and literature. (LRW)

Describes the dialogue between an American researcher and others as she planned and carried out a study of women's literacy programs in rural Mali. Discusses the researcher's status in relation to the organization administering the programs, cultural differences in terms of researcher versus practitioner and Westerner versus African, and reasons…

Early 21st-century jobs will be predominantly in the service area; only 20% will require high-level cognitive skills. Curriculum goals and standards should not serve the job market, but should foster humanistic ends and involve students in compelling social, political, environmental, and artistic issues. Higher standards are unattainable without…

A study examined the feasibility and desirability of assessing reflective practice in student teachers studying early childhood literacy. While the study reaffirmed the importance of developing reflective teachers, it also highlighted the difficulties of equitably or meaningfully assessing reflection. Use of alternative methodologies in future…

An interactive, child-initiated software package was used in teaching reading and communication skills to 3 groups of children (n=30), including 20 children with autism and mixed disabilities. Results suggest that such programs may stimulate reading and communication, but that interventions must be individualized and include detailed planning and…

Describes a collaborative parent-involvement project for inner-city Hispanic primary students sponsored by the Chicago Community Trust. A university professor, two graduate assistants, the principal, and the school community representative designed a summer program featuring hospitality and support activities, free books, and hands-on science and…

Study examined the content and form of elementary students' discussions in cooperative groups. Researchers recorded group discussions during whole language literacy instruction. Across classrooms, much verbal interaction was oriented toward academic and procedural talk, although the cognitive level of the discussions was low. Some grade level and…

Achievement test scores were analyzed in relation to individual- and school-level factors in a national sample of 10th graders (n=2,535) to investigate the relative importance of school and individual factors in determining science learning. Hierarchical linear analyses showed that individual measures accounted for most of the variance. Previous…

Reports a study that examined entering preservice teachers' prior experience in word processing, database, and spreadsheet software, based on self-reported information. Factors that influenced students' entering skills (for example, gender and computer experience) were noted. Survey data indicated that the subjects had little prior knowledge of…

Utilizes a 17th-century Italian sculpture and an African fetish figure to illustrate essential qualities and characteristics of figurative sculpture. Points out the extreme differences and the many similarities between the two and offers explanations. Includes a process for leading students through "reading" the sculptures. (MJP)

Presents suggestions for teacher preparation programs wishing to integrate technology into their curricula, using information from a study of the International Business Machine (IBM) "Teacher Preparation with Technology Grant Program" which funded 144 projects. The four biggest project problems were leadership/administration, faculty,…

Argues that instructors need to recognize and adapt to students who are increasingly computer savvy. Relates the process of developing dynamic World Wide Web syllabi for undergraduate history courses. Provides an outline of suggestions and warnings for creating interesting and educational syllabi. Suggests that the best syllabi incorporate Web…

In spring 1998, a total of 452 students in 49 selected classes and 44% of faculty at Johnson County Community College returned surveys assessing respondents' computer usage and future computer needs. Results indicate a trend toward greater utilization of computers in education. (Contains nine references.) (PGS)