The goal of the Exemplary Center for Reading Instruction (ECRI) is to improve elementary and secondary students' ability to use their language--to read fluently and with expression, to understand what they read and hear, and to use this understanding so they can communicate effectively. ECRI is a pre- and in-service program for teachers to learn…

Intended for use in undergraduate or postbaccalaureate teacher preparation programs, during staff development activities, and in introductory graduate teacher education courses, this book introduces K-12 teachers to the topic of helping students use reading and writing as tools for learning. This third edition retains features of earlier…

Written for content area teachers in middle and secondary schools, this book offers specific strategies and examples they can use to integrate key reading, writing, and study skills into their teaching. The book takes a balanced reading approach, providing specific suggestions for direct teaching as well as many opportunities for cooperative or…

Student affairs professionals are increasingly called upon to help college students overcome academic difficulties in order to successfully earn their degrees. This book presents a comprehensive resource of theories and specific techniques that can be used to enhance college student success. A model for change is described that includes both a…

This paper examines the effectiveness of the University of North London's Early Childhood Studies Scheme (ECSS), exploring student characteristics and how its YC100 Study Skills module addressed students' needs. The module empowers nontraditional ECSS students by building a self-confidence and skills infrastructure that teaches them how to study,…

During a period of rapid expansion, Wayne State University School of Medicine found it necessary to increase the professional staff of its Office of Student Affairs to meet the needs of medical students. Utilization of professional counselors, financial aid officers, study skills counselors, and peer tutors and advisers is discussed. (Author/JMD)

Various self-report test anxiety instruments were examined with attention given to their reliability and validity. Treatments directed toward test worry were more effective than treatments directed toward test emotionality. Self-reported test anxiety was found to decrease as a result of most treatment including pseudotherapy. (Author/CP)

Describes a course for undergraduate students that is intended to increase their study effectiveness. The authors recognize that there are many different routes to success and that each student must develop his/her own effective method. (Author/SA)

Provides an overview of the nature, purpose, and instructional research related to semantic mapping. Offers a vivid description of how semantic mapping was used in a secondary social studies classroom, including how the teacher and students viewed the method. Suggests ideas and resources for interested teachers. (MJP)

Describes the use of computer labs in a Texas high school. Highlights include word processing; a study skills course; software programs currently in use by English and English-as-a-Second-Language classes; physical layout, including security considerations and furniture; hardware, including printers; and guidelines for the selection of software.…

A study of the transition from high school to university of 16 freshman track and field athletes investigated academic, athletic, and social aspects. Student challenges included feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities, loneliness, and need to balance freedom and responsibility. Students used two main strategies to maintain perspective: (1) time…

The evolution and design of a supplemental instruction program for seriously underprepared students, primarily athletes, is chronicled. The resulting program used videotaped lectures of an outstanding teacher in combination with preview and review exercises. Results indicate that the method can help high-risk students master difficult content and…

Students' experiences of revision were used to clarify the concept of understanding for 24 undergraduates through interviews describing the nature of their understanding and how it was reached. Contrasting forms of understanding were discovered. Implications for teaching and learning in higher education are discussed. (SLD)

Research suggests several types of test-anxious students. Techniques for lessening anxiety include teaching metacognitive and learning strategies, using cooperative learning activities, and creating a nonthreatening environment. A survey of 102 developmental reading college students indicated that teacher behavior during testing and pretest review…

Thirty-seven elementary and secondary school teachers were surveyed about their knowledge of task-specific study strategies, and 10 were interviewed to validate and extend the survey data. Teachers seldom reported providing students with metacognitive components of strategy instruction. Implications for teacher instruction in study strategies are…