Discusses the advantages of using a holistic language approach, its relationship to middle school theory, and guidelines for its implementation. Suggests that holistic language literacy approaches hold great promise for the middle grades. By integrating language skills and using real literature and authentic activities focused on students'…

Outlines a working model of the 10 elements that make up the teaching method, "instructional conversation." Profiles the use of this method to teach moral education and reading comprehension to an elementary class making the transition from Spanish-reading instruction to English. (MJP)

Presents a student response to an undergraduate psychology assignment where students constructed a dialog from the discipline's history. The playlet consists of two actors in the roles of William James and Hugo Munsterberg. While they expound on their contradictory positions, two actors standing behind them examine the subtext. (MJP)

This report by a Dutch national committee addresses the definition of dyslexia; characteristic symptoms; consequences of the proposed definition for identification and treatment; appropriate methods of treatment; involvement of various professionals (e.g., neuropsychologist, remedial teacher, speech and language therapist, and neurologist); and…

Describes a computer-assisted, interdisciplinary course in decision making developed to promote student participation and critical thinking. Students participate in 20 interactive exercises that utilize and illustrate psychological and economic concepts. Follow-up activities include receiving background information, group discussions, text…

Develops a simple theoretical model to evaluate interdisciplinary differences in research productivity between economics departments and related subjects. Compares the research publishing statistics of economics, finance, psychology, geology, physics, oceanography, chemistry, and geophysics. Considers a number of factors including journal…

Outlines an instructional unit where students construct culture kits illustrating a specific culture. Culture kits are constructed out of realia and other material including maps, travel brochures, photographs, newspapers, souvenirs, and other items. Discusses collecting these items and possible multicultural applications. (MJP)

Reviews and recommends a series of books using picture postcards to trace a geographical journey. The geographical regions include France, Mexico, Canada, Russia, and the United States. The books introduce young readers to different geographic locations and ways of life. (MJP)

Presents a model for developing teacher educators who are interprofessional clinical professors. Collaboratively planned by campus, public school, and human service professionals, the model delivers field-based services to future teachers, extending expertise across a spectrum of areas to prepare teachers to respond effectively to diverse student…

Presents a continuing study on the Chesapeake Bay as an example of a problem-based approach to environmental education using real life problems. Argues that the approach gives students responsibility for their own learning. (DDR)

Maintains that teachers in the intermediate grades can motivate students to read biographies in a way that develops critical thinking. Describes a composite strategy that combines high expectations, teacher guidance, and student interaction. Teaching tips include a step-by-step preparation process and a format for group activities. (MJP)

Argues that fiction, poetry, and music can make history come alive for high school students. Outlines a number of activities that use an interdisciplinary and thematic approach. "Riders to the Sea," captures the pathos of Ireland while the Doors'"Riders on the Storm" reflects the ambience of the play. (MJP)

Describes a unit that applies constructivist teaching methods to a science concept. Contains mini-lessons in math that present to students information that they need to know in order to perform their experiments. Gives students the opportunity to construct their own knowledge about the natural phenomenon of light as they apply their mathematical…

Recommends establishing literature study groups as early as the primary grades. Outlines the steps for implementing a group and describes several classroom experiences with them. Includes a discussion of follow-up activities, and a bibliography of related works. (MJP)

The National Science Foundation funds a two-year course in environmental resources management at Northwest Indian College on the Lummi Reservation (Washington). The course emphasizes co-articulation of tribal and Western knowledge, a non-abandonment policy toward students, an interdisciplinary approach, and developmental education that begins at…