A study investigating the learning strategies in oral communication used by Chinese students of English as a second language in China consisted of identification of the general strategies and specific techniques for improving oral proficiency, and assessment of the effects of some of them on achievement. It also explored some learner…

Data for this analysis of classroom instruction were part of the junior high phase of the Managing Academic Tasks (MAT) study (Doyle, Sanford, Clements, French & Emmer, 1983). The MAT focuses on the character of academic tasks, the nature of the overall task systems that operate in classrooms, and the contexts associated with task…

Part of a collection of papers commissioned by Foundations, a career development project sponsored by the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID), the paper reviews research on transfer of knowledge and skills from one situation to another. A transfer classification scheme is proposed based on the notion that an individual's knowledge can…

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of several instructional formats (e.g., lecture, discourse, seatwork) on the generalizability of teacher behaviors. Two structured observation instruments were used to observe two samples of teachers: 42 fifth grade science teachers on eight occasions, and 87 fifth grade mathematics teachers…

Guidelines are presented for modifying basic instruction of subtraction facts for elementary level learning disabled students. A detailed case study is used to illustrate a five-step structured program: (1) find a way to work it out; (2) add to check; (3) learn the partner facts; (4) study families of facts; (5) review and practice. The selection…

In research testing, guided motor learning yielded the best performance in terms of time efficiency in the initial task; transfer was most effective when learning conditions were similar for initial and transfer tasks; and guided learning in the initial and transfer tasks led to better retention of performance than discovery learning. (JD)

Examines self-control interventions considered effective in improving the performance of mentally retarded persons in acquiring, maintaining, and generalizing learned tasks. Studies employing self-monitoring, self-reinforcement, and antecedent cue regulation (self-instruction and picture cues) are cited. Picture cues are recommended as the most…

Seven learning disabled elementary students received metacognitive training in the strategic use of language information (summarizing, questioning, clarifying, predicting) using a reciprocal teaching procedure. Although results of reading achievement posttests were insignificant, subjects experienced greater gains in self-esteem than a control…

An examination of the role of process and content in social studies is offered. Concludes that both are equally important and that diverse process goals may be emphasized in guiding students to achieve viable facts, concepts, and generalizations. (JDH)

Describes a three-stage method for organizing a research paper which focuses on teaching the mechanics of organization: (1) organizing the material; (2) the composing process; and (3) revision. Detailed steps are outlined for each stage. (CLB)

The keyword and context methods of learning new vocabulary were compared using university students as subjects. The keyword method was substantially better for recall of definitions when provided, but it was not significantly better on the free recall task. (LMO)

Shows how "concept of definition" (CD) instruction (instruction which organizes conceptual information into categories, properties, and illustrations) can be applied to content area reading. Presents several lessons and activities which develop strategies for combining new text information with prior knowledge and for self-monitoring…

Three high schol teachers in Tempe, Arizona, have improved students' speaking and writing proficiency by applying the principles of outcome-based education to their ninth grade English classes. These teachers abolished "D" grades, clearly defined expectations and offered expanded opportunities to master material. (MLH)

Interviews Bob Slavin, a research director at Johns Hopkins Center for Research on Elementary and Middle Schools. Explains Success for All, an early intervention strategy to ensure that students reach third grade with adequate skills. Critical of Madeline Hunter's mastery learning model, Slavin urges practitioners to demand research-based trials…

The information processing approach to the assessment of learning disabled students' intellectual performance includes decisions about: (1) relationship between hypothesis testing and overall performance, (2) the knowledge base for strategy development, (3) coordination of search strategies, (4) metacognition, and (5) problem solving strategies.…