Discusses specific ways to maximize microcomputer use in elementary and secondary schools including peer tutoring, individualized feedback, cooperative and discovery learning, tournament competition, drills and practice, student developed materials, creative problem solving, creative writing, databases, keyboarding, and student software…

Describes a one-semester ninth grade developmental reading class that includes speed reading, study, and test-taking strategies. Provides a rate building and study skills bibliography. (HOD)

Findings suggest that the Personalized System of Instruction in the introductory speech communication course tends to equal or be more effective than the lecture-recitation format in (1) attitudes toward and satisfaction with the course; (2) academic achievement; (3) alleviating communication apprehension; and (4) growth in communication skills.…

The rise of computer-assisted learning demands that schools reassess their reasons for being and emphasize the nurturing of children's feelings, the promotion of interpersonal skills and higher-level cognitive skills, and the development of creativity, imagination, and moral integrity. Teachers should serve as diagnosticians, curriculum makers,…

Examines the effects of three self-pacing procedures on student withdrawal rate, rate of progress, final examination performance, and attitude in a personalized system of instruction for undergraduate students in an introductory speech course. Benefits of reducing student procrastination are discussed in light of the study's results. (Author/MBR)

Describes the developmental college reading lab at the University of Georgia that is holistic and content-based, emphasizing individualized. direct instruction by qualified staff. (HOD)

This workshop guidebook introduces teaching methods that allow students with different skills, aspirations, and interests to succeed in meeting the same standards. It is designed to facilitate workshops by the Secondary School Redesign team of The Education Alliance at Brown University but can be used easily by any educator or group of educators…

English language learners (ELLs) with disabilities struggle with reading and the reasons for their struggles are not well understood owing to little knowledge about the impact of disability on language development in either the first or second language (Klingner et al., 2006). Nevertheless, this difficulty in reading achievement historically has…

In this article, the author discusses seven characteristics of classrooms that encourage maximum student participation in the education process: (1) democracy; (2) scientific method; (3) creativity; (4) change; (5) individualization; (6) socialization; and (7) problem solving. Using these concepts to make students part of the instructional…

Building capacity within schools and districts for continuous improvement is a goal of educators at all levels across the United States of America. An important first step in capacity building is identifying schools' current strengths and weaknesses. Schools can then begin building upon existing strengths to implement improvement initiatives.…

This brief defines school capacity as the presence of characteristics needed to support the development of a thriving learning community. The literature on school improvement suggests that a school's capacity for improvement can be supported by coherent structures, constructive teacher and leadership practices, and positive staff perceptions of…

This book will help teachers better relate to, understand, and love their job. This is a professional resource that contains innovative ideas, visuals, and reproducibles that can be referenced quickly to help make the job easier. This comprehensive resource offers practical teaching techniques, solutions, and tips on: (1) Planning and designing…

This final performance report for the Sanford Library Association's Project Literacy U.S. (PLUS) begins with quantitative data. Background information on the community is then provided. Actual accomplishments are compared to project objectives for 1991-92 in the following areas: (1) continuation of individualized literacy instruction or promotion…

This study explores the complex interaction and individuality of students in a community college basic writing class. Students represented a diverse population in terms of age and ethnicity. The research makes use of informal and formal modes of writing in the classroom as a way to understand writing as both an individual activity and as a social…

This report presents findings of a three-year study to examine how preservice teachers develop an awareness of the needs of academically diverse learners, including gifted students, and implement and/or modify instruction to meet those needs. Preservice teachers were assigned to one of two treatment groups: either participation in an interactive…