Discussion of instructional design focuses on the use of rapid application development (RAD) procedures for producing timely instruction, particularly self-paced instruction for teaching technology skills. Describes research that examined the use of a RAD approach to improve the usability of instructional materials for a preservice technology…

Results from a longitudinal study with 52 Bosnians learning French supported the hypothesis that effective interlingual transfer of reading skills requires attainment of a particular threshold of second language knowledge. Results suggest failure to maintain first language (L1) reading does not prevent transfer of reading skills but maintaining L1…

Examines how to design interactive multimedia learning environments to provide necessary support for developing higher level cognitive skills. Describes an approach of engaging learners as multimedia designers using project-based learning and investigated the effects on cognitive skill development in high school, middle school, and elementary…

Explores communication technology as an instructional tool in relationship to quality of interaction, individual productivity, group productivity, and satisfaction with the learning environment. Discusses collaborative learning skills and examines differences in graduate students' perception using groupware versus face-to-face learning.…

Focuses on how music teachers can assist high school students to prepare for a college audition and to select the right music program. Explains what audition committees look for in music students. Includes tips teachers can share with their students on program selection and the audition. (CMK)

Explains how singing can be incorporated into the band rehearsal. Discusses how to improve student aural skills by including singing in the rehearsal and the benefits of having students sing. Describes how music teachers can use songs or chorales in the classroom. (CMK)

Describes a lesson that teaches kindergarten students how to enlarge a smaller drawing onto a bigger piece of paper. Explains that the students create their heart-shape designs using tempera paint and pastels in the larger picture. Includes a list of materials. (CMK)

Presents the results of two studies that evaluated the academic skill exposure of individual students who completed the psychology major. Uses a skills-experience inventory: (1) a skills-experience comparison of seniors and freshmen psychology majors; and (2) a skills-experience comparison among academic areas. (CMK)

Presents a study evaluating the effect of reading intervention with children at risk of reading failure. Explains the program spanned 10 weeks and emphasized word building and phonics skills. States there is a need for continual support as opposed to a short intervention. Includes references. (CMK)

Describes a research model developed by Jamie McKenzie that integrates technology and information literacy skills through a research project. Highlights include the need to teach information literacy skills in schools; research questions; planning research; evaluation of the research; and reporting, or creating a final product. (LRW)

Presents an art activity that improves student drawing skills. Explains that students use the chiaroscuro technique to draw a still-life that focuses on restaurant take-out containers as the subject. States that the students learn about adding and subtracting from the value in their drawings. (CMK)

Describes art curriculum goals for first grade students in the Knob Noster (Missouri) school district where students are expected to learn about mixing primary colors to create secondary colors, to learn about creating patterns in artwork, and to understand art subject matter. Presents an art activity that accomplished these goals. (CMK)

This study documented one child's development of conflict resolution skills when a peer problem-solving model was used in a constructivist-designed classroom. Findings revealed that this child progressed from a power assertion style of conflict resolution to a more sophisticated form of negotiation. The study supports current thinking that young…

A study of three adults with profound mental retardation examined the effectiveness of functional communication training in reducing self-injurious behavior (SIB) and in shaping an alternative (communicative) response while SIB continued to be reinforced. Results found when extinction was added to the training procedure, SIB decreased and manual…

This study describes the use of self-management procedures to improve the productivity of two women with mild mental retardation who worked in restaurants. Substantial improvements were observed as a function of treatment, and the procedures were deemed acceptable by the participants, their coworkers, and their supervisors. (Author/CR)