Reports on an exploratory study of a metacognitive approach to teaching low achieving secondary students. Asserts that the research team hoped to examine a process whereby a dialog about learning processes would develop. Finds that all students indicated that they were able to focus on learning as a topic of conversation. (CFR)

Describes practical applications of distance education programs serving the disabled based on the experiences of the Independent Study program at the University of Wisconsin-Extension. Issues include information dissemination, planning, instruction, testing, and faculty training and support. (Author/AEF)

Discusses the importance of linguistic accuracy in proficiency-orientated foreign language programs, focusing on the experiences of college students in a summer intensive Chinese program. Linguistic inaccuracy is often the result of teachers focusing on form and meaning at the same time, fossilization, overuse of communicative strategies, lack of…

Reports on a simulation used in intercultural communication in an English-as-a-Second-Language/English-as-a-Foreign-Language teacher education program. The simulation created an uncomfortable cultural atmosphere, similar to that in a foreign environment, and focused on helping the teachers in training recognize themselves as cultural beings whose…

The theory behind the concept of the teacher as a model is surveyed and illustrated with actual events and techniques from college classrooms, including taking advantage of classroom mistakes to model thinking and problem-solving skills. Student evaluation results indicate that instructor credibility is unaffected by the use of these techniques.…

Describes strategies used to improve students' reading achievement in a New York elementary school: Hire the best teachers; train office staff members to support teachers; assign teachers based on needs; observe teachers in reading; design a staff development program; develop a reading action plan; use the existing research; involve students and…

Defines musical improvisation as taking place when a musician's aural and technical facilities combine to create a spontaneous form of musical expression. Discusses the use of improvisation as a means of enhancing student interest and performance. Includes a six-step approach for teaching musical improvisation. (CFR)

Investigations are summarized that addressed teacher and student perceptions of instructional adaptations for students with learning disabilities and diverse learning needs. Findings indicate that classroom teachers feel unprepared to teach students with disabilities, need collaboration with special education teachers, and make infrequent and…

Examines an interlingual subtitling course for Welsh-English transfer designed to provide professional capability and developed over 10 delivery cycles. Analysis of student performance on course indicates the need for regular practice to maintain capability and the possibility of developing an individual style. (14 references) (Author/CK)

Examined the reactions of 60 Taiwanese graduate students studying English as a Second Language in a business writing course to traditional and communicative language teaching (CLT) activities. Most students favored a combination of traditional, grammar-based instruction and CLT, although many questioned the value of peer editing and student…

Examined tracking in a large urban school system with respect to how classroom conditions, resources, and teaching methods compared in 20 remedial and 20 regular tracked first-grade classes. Found that teaching methods and activities varied across subjects but were constant across tracks. (ET)

Explores students' verbal interaction in small multiethnic groups after the students had participated for several months in classes conducted with either the Group Investigation Method or the traditional whole-class method. Found that the two instructional methods affected students very differently and that, additionally, these different effects…

Asserts that, at the time of the American Revolution, most people handled their own health care. Presents a lesson plan on illness and health care in colonial America that uses Martha Washington as a case study. Includes a reproduction of a colonial era herbal manual and excerpts from letters discussing health care. (CFR)

Examines the premise that experience with computers can fundamentally alter teaching. Contends that the promise of computers and other educational technology is overstated. Presents a case study and summaries of other studies that suggest a teacher's instructional philosophy is a more powerful determinant of computer effectiveness. (CFR)

Asserts that interest has increased in social skills training with children and adolescents. Reviews research literature on this topic and concludes that, although social skills training may be a necessary component in bringing about real life changes for children lacking in social competence, it may not always be sufficient. (CFR)