This study compared intellectually superior students (ages 8-9) identified as accelerated readers (n=11) or nonreaders (n=8) at the age of 4 and provided similar types of elementary school basal reading instruction. Accelerated readers scored higher than nonreaders on measures of word attack and dictation, with no differences on word recognition…

Describes reform of a Chinese vocational teaching program. Emphasizes a teaching structure combining theoretical and practical teaching. Lists prerequisites for an independent teaching system as suitable instructors (usually engineers), equipment for practice, and a transformation of the students' views toward study. Urges revision of teaching…

Presents results of a study comparing student class size preferences among first-year college students and upper-division students. Reports that first-year students prefer small classes and upper division students prefer large classes. Concludes that experience in larger classes results in a stronger preference toward the large classes. Urges…

Suggestions are provided for encouraging and nurturing gifted young scientists (ages 4-10), such as subscribing to a science magazine, making science a natural part of family life, and linking sciences to the arts. Young children are characterized as perceiving their world through the acronym SCIENCE (Sensory, Classify, Inquisitive, Experiment,…

A study used the Coursework Cluster Analysis Model to identify college courses associated with gains in student learning, then sought faculty perceptions about methods for teaching and assessing those abilities. Teacher perceptions corroborated the statistical analysis and improved understanding of how student assessment, individual courses, and…

Two Quebec studies of kindergarten students who also attended school-based day care programs examined the environments provided by both services, continuity or discontinuity of environments as related to child development and adjustment, and the extent of communication and collaboration between educators in the two services. (SV)

College administrators have the responsibility as leaders to actively promote development of character among college students and others. Emphasis should be placed on universal human dignity, generosity of self, intercultural understanding, and the value of learning. Educators should encourage others, by modeling, to work for the common good. (MSE)

Advocates grounding a tutor training program in research-based theoretical models, such as student development and metacognitive theories. Recommends that tutor training cover student development philosophy, effective communication skills, campus resources, instructional support materials, learning theory/learning styles, metacognitive approaches…

Describes a secondary science and mathematics teacher education course at Cornell University which encourages students to think reflectively about their understanding of subject matter and question common schooling practices contributing to poor understanding of science. The course requires significant amounts of involvement through writing,…

Reviews reasons why many teachers are moving away from the basal approach to teaching reading. Describes literature-based instruction, and suggests the adjustments that teachers and students will need to make. Describes two plans for literature + basal partnerships as an intermediate step between the basal and a totally literature-based approach.…

Outlines three factors that have influenced moral education during the past decade in the People's Republic of China: traditional Chinese ethical principles, Marxist-Maoist ideology, and contemporary needs. Contends that traditional morality and modern socialism place heavy emphasis on character building and in instilling the virtues of…

Briefly surveys the history of moral education in Japanese public schools. Reviews current government policies by examining directives from the Ministry of Education. Presents recent research findings about student attitudes. Places moral education in the schools in a cultural context. (DB)

An interview with David Riesman, founder of Harvard University's (Massachusetts) freshman seminar program, covers the origins and structure of the seminars, Riesman's own college experience, the importance of the college experience, faculty research, and the role of faculty in student intellectual development. (MSE)

This interview brings out Susan Winebrenner's views on key concepts in her book on teaching gifted students in regular classrooms; the importance of appreciating diversity, utilizing flexible grouping, and allowing for varying learning styles; the administrator's role; the role of independent projects; and the special needs of gifted students. (DB)

Differences in component processing skills of students of different ages and developmental changes over 1 year were studied for 96 students in grades 2 through 4 and 59 of them in a follow-up. Results trace the development of component processing skills and suggest a theory of the development of component skills. (SLD)