Questions the exclusive use of escapist fiction in basic reading for primary school children and stresses the development of critical reading skills through nonfiction reading material. (RW)

"An early learning program where children are free to select the materials for their own education and where peer teaching is actively promoted." Part of a longer special report available from: Grade Teacher Reprints, 23 Leroy Ave., Darien, Conn. 06820. (No. 91291, 75J) (Author/AP)

Describes a tool for trainer self-development called "mental rehearsal." The process uses mental images (visualization) to practice trainer behavior prior to the actual training session. Trainers use mental rehearsal for: (1) physical relaxation, (2) positive thinking, (3) mental and physical readiness, (4) verbal and nonverbal instructional…

The Jefferson County (Colorado) School district prepares teachers to lead staff development programs in four major areas: (1) implementation of new curriculum; (2) personal and professional growth of colleagues; (3) as educational consultants; and (4) as organizational development consultants. Examples of leadership training activities in each…

Mothers', fathers' and teachers' perceptions of young children's five motor, gross motor, and language skills were scored as underestimates, hits, or overestimates. Comparisons yielded no differences between groups except mothers overestimated gross motor skills, and teachers underestimated fine motor skills more than fathers. Correlations…

The followup study of approximately 150 adolescent rural German learning disabled girls, who left before completing a special vocational training course, yielded findings such as that few school leavers obtained jobs or training, and that vocational interest and motivation were above average but mitigated by a tendency to quick resignation.…

Centurion manufactures 10 "microcomputers" (cannot be programed in Basic) which function solely as education drill-practice devices. Two of these devices are reviewed: Versator (for mathematics) and Skillmaster (for generalized drill in any subject area). Instructional materials available for use with the devices are also reviewed. (JN)

Children must learn to discriminate among the visual stimuli they experience and to recognize the existence of a visual language. Learning activities to help young children develop a sense of visual literacy are suggested. (PP)

Discusses constructive ways to use microcomputers as educational aids. Areas considered include software packages with graphics capabilities to help students visualize their work, programs fostering skill development (including problem-solving), microcomputer rentals, use of computers to learn programing languages, and others. (JN)

Eight ways to use flash cards in mathematics instruction are described. These games and other gimmicks help increase students' concentration, build memory skills, sharpen thinking skills, and enliven drills. (PP)