This literature review examines the effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction for developing the communication skills of individuals with mental retardation. It discusses the usefulness of computers in view of specific characteristics and special needs of learners, and discusses potential uses of computers in communication intervention,…

Discusses the successful incorporation of Paul Theroux's short story "White Lies" into the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) English course syllabus. Describes students' enthusiastic response to the short story as represented by lively discussion and improved writing performance. Recommends the short story as a means to…

Outlined are strategies for dealing with the problem of students' lack of ability to verbalize multi-syllable vocabulary words in the sciences. A pronunciation examination, the development of corollary writing skills, vocabulary development, student journals, writing exercises, and microthemes are discussed. (RT)

Examines the problems of using standardized tests to measure the development of early literacy. Notes that assessment is used to design instruction, and should reflect the skills and knowledge that are developing in young children. Provides examples of informal assessment contexts, such as interactive dialogues, observation, and performance…

States four concerns related to the California Framework for History-Social Science Education: (1) teacher preparation; (2) inadequate provisions for active learning in the skills strand; (3) the omission of science and technology; and (4) a neglect of the community close to the students. Concludes that the Framework does provide direction and…

Reviews trends in high school graduation and college enrollment rates, and academic preparation and performance. Offers the following strategies for improving academic preparation and performance: (1) adequate skills preparation; (2) academic student support services; and (3) positive motivation. (BJV)

Reading can become a central focus in family learning. Families should develop reading plans to encourage children to read. Families should develop their own home resource centers of books and other learning materials. (BJV)

The paper describes a software system which uses microcomputers to aid in the assessment of functional vision in visually impaired students. The software also aims to be visually stimulating and to develop hand-eye coordination, visual memory, and cognitive abilities. (DB)

Five articles describe improvements in instructional software designed to enhance problem solving skills. Issues addressed include problem solving software to implement curriculum goals; problem solving theory and writing theory; software for elementary and secondary school science instruction; software for mathematics instruction; and cognitive…

Students with learning difficulties can develop their literacy for daily living by using daily-living literature, which provides knowledge and skills for accomplishing some societal task. Daily-living materials approximate real-life materials and differ from general literacy materials in organization, style, and format. Suggestions are provided…

Seventh- and eighth-grade students with learning disabilities (n=29) who reasoned through factual prose sentences did not recall more information than students who were prompted to try to remember the content after each sentence. However, students trained in thinking skills produced more correct explanations of the information than control…

A grid system designed to help students and other writers exploit familiar forms of discourse for better thinking and composing is outlined. The technique helps link topic and discourse form innovatively, promotes understanding of the contextual character of every writing task, and can encourage students to read in order to master writing…

This study assessed the differential effectiveness of two types of response delays on correct responding (with communicative gestures) by three individuals with severe mental handicaps to training instructions. Results showed that response delay was effective in increasing the number of correct responses in two of the three individuals. (DB)

Five teachers serving 26 children (ages 3-15) with developmental disabilities received training on creating opportunities for requesting (missing item, interrupted chain, delayed assistance). The strategy was effective in helping teachers increase the number of functional communication requesting opportunities and the number of correct student…

It is proposed that clinical decision making in pharmacy should integrate principles of pharmacoepidemiology, economics, and medical decision making, and that case studies provide an opportunity to use these principles in probabilistic reasoning, thereby improving self-learning, critical thinking, and therapeutic and monitoring skills. Steps in…