Examines psychology graduate teaching assistants' (GTA) formal training and supervision experiences and whether these experiences increased the GTA's sense of self-efficacy toward teaching. Reveals that 30% received no training or supervision suggesting that GTAs receive inconsistent training and supervision; GTAs receiving training possessed a…

Outlines four steps to improve social skills interventions that take advantage of the unique environments of schools and increase the likelihood that social skills interventions can achieve individualization and generalization. The four steps are: identifying key skills; teaching the skill in isolation; practicing in controlled settings; and…

Believes that a humanities survey course should engage the "whole student" allowing students to draw from their entire identity that includes personal insights, experiences, and heritage. Argues that the survey course should teach students formal analysis, perceptive writing, and critical thinking skills. Describes a humanities survey that focuses…

A study involving six children (ages 5-13) with mental retardation found that overall passive modeling was significantly more effective than hand-over-hand modeling in teaching skills, and that passive modeling was significantly more effective than hand-over-hand modeling with response-contingent verbal prompting. (Author/CR)

Describes a pilot program in New Jersey, that offered a free summer camp for 750 elementary and secondary students, including students with learning disabilities, to learn computer skills and explore the Internet. Tips for learning on the Internet are provided, as well as suggested activities and Web sites. (CR)

To reduce attrition in an entry-level programming class, students who performed poorly on the first exam were matched with interested alumni, who could only communicate with their mentorees by e-mail, mail, or phone. The program produced a significant reduction in overall course attrition and for the at-risk students. (Author/AEF)

A study investigated the motor development in 99 Australian children (ages 10-16) with Down syndrome. Results showed that the children's motor proficiency continued to progress into adolescence and that there were a wide range of inter- and intra-individual differences in their skill levels and rates of progress. (Author/CR)

Defines information literacy and describes the "Information Literacy IQ (Institutional Quotient) Test" of the Association of School Librarians (ACRL). Lists and describes online sources for basic materials on information literacy, information literacy-skills models, information about information literacy, and books on information…

Explores the interaction among self-regulatory (cognitive strategy use, self-regulation) and motivational (intrinsic value, anxiety/confidence) components of learning with the quantity/content of a musician's instrumental practice. The sample consisted of 190 pianists. Indicates that the level of cognitive engagement during practice may provide…

Analyzes a teacher education program centered in a constructivist teaching model, "Fostering Community of Learners," showing how three program iterations over time grappled with the fusing of inspiration, reasoning, skill development, and design work. Though none of the iterations were shining successes, all of the elements were…

Discusses the evolution of instructional uses of technology in special education over the last two decades and the changes in thinking and teaching which have moved away from didactic instructional methods to constructivist approaches. Describes how skills instruction can be an important feature of constructivism for teaching special education…

Discusses a fifth-grade sculpture project that uses a subtractive, rather than additive, technique. Students carve an animal sculpture from a block of simulated stone compound. Explains the process and how to make the simulated stone compound. (CMK)

Discusses challenges of teaching reading with children's literature. Presents a fourth-grade teacher's experience beginning her first full year of teaching. Notes that the novel "Call It Courage" revolutionized the teacher's concept of teaching with literature. Concludes that with the current call for a greater emphasis on direct skills…

A pilot study involving 10 participants with mental retardation investigated the effectiveness of Feel Safe, a program designed to increase personal safety skills. Feel Safe participants increased their knowledge of personal safety skills and could apply this knowledge in their day-to-day lives. Participants did not perceive themselves as being…

Examines changes in experience and confidence among university students in Iceland taking their first Internet course between 1994 and 2000. Discusses results of time series that show that the number of participants with prior experience has increased and makes recommendations for course content, including advanced skills in Internet use.…