This study investigated the effectiveness of computer simulations for enhancing the problem solving skills of high school students. Summaries of three related studies are presented. Results indicate that the computerized simulations enabled students to master the objectives of a biology course as effectively as traditional methods. (ML)

Some generalizations about teaching are seen as false including: the silent student is an uninvolved learner; grades are a necessary evil; discussion is preferable to lecture; teachers are fellow-learners with their students; students need to acquire, not memorize information; and instruction must be geared to student backgrounds and aspirations.…

Thirty postpartum mothers were studied to determine the impact of early provision of support/education on developing parenting skills to prevent child abuse. An experimental group received special services from student nurses; compared to controls, the group later reported more realistic expectations of infant behavior and embraced more democratic…

Many severely disabled individuals who rely on augmentative and alternative communication systems experience difficulties using newly acquired communication skills in settings different from those introduced in the instructional context and with different conversational partners. Methods of promoting functional communication skills are addressed,…

Social skills training and self-monitoring were used to remediate socially inappropriate behaviors of a man with Down Syndrome in a supported competitive employment setting. Social behaviors of the moderately mentally retarded man were improved and maintained over a 38-week period, as trainer support was systematically faded over time. (Author/JDD)

Learning-disabled students deficient in classification and categorization require specific instruction in these skills. Use of a classification/categorization instructional model improved the questioning strategies of 60 learning-disabled students, aged 10 to 12. The use of similar models is discussed as a basis for instruction in science, social…

An Alabama school district implemented a thinking skills instruction program called Talents Unlimited through inservice education. Both workshop ratings by teachers and pretest-posttest scores by middle school and high school students suggested that Talents Unlimited can change teachers' understandings about higher order thinking skills and…

Viewing language learning as another skill acquisition process allows correction to be seen differently. An "error" occurs when knowledge is faulty, a "mistake" when only the performance is faulty. Mistakes can be corrected when (1) the student desires correction; (2) knows what is correct; (3) knows a mistake has occurred; and…

Describes a short course designed to help employees overcome common writing problems. Suggests that many writing problems result from deficiencies in freshman composition courses, and recommends five changes. (ARH)

Research on the cognitive development of play skills in young handicapped children is reviewed, focusing on two Piagetian styles of play--sensorimotor (exploratory) and symbolic (pretend and dramatic). The review emphasizes developmental patterns, areas of deficit, and implications for intervention in various handicapped groups. (Author/JDD)

Presents a remedial program model which helps to alleviate students' diagnosed skill deficits using activities and materials directly connected to their content courses. (ARH)

Writing courses at Temple University (Pennsylvania) were adapted from the Writer's Workbench program to provide a computer-assisted instruction model for students to obtain a wide range analysis of their writing abilities and skills. (Author/CB)

Data on the status of residential services for developmentally disabled persons are presented, and major concepts guiding changes in such services are identified. The role of natural (least restrictive) environments in helping disabled individuals to develop both social and personal living skills is highlighted. (CB)

A study of influences on practicum students' (N=8) acquisition of teaching skills for mainstreaming handicapped children revealed that cooperating teachers, university supervisors, course work, field experiences, and practicum assignments exerted the greatest influence on student teachers. (CB)

This study examined extent to which differential exposure to computer literacy found with lower socioeconomic students is also characteristic of instruction for learning handicapped children in special education and mainstreamed classrooms. Results are discussed in terms of impact of placement in special education on students' ability to develop…