Suggestions for narrowing the discrepancy between the knowledge base of early communication development and the implementation of effective communication interventions for severely handicapped infants and young children are offered including strategies for facilitating emerging language development, increasing positive interactions with infants,…

This two-part interview focuses on the high expectations for the role of computers in higher education that the author feels are not being met. Highlights include discussions of teaching methods incorporating computers, computer science education, computers as research tools, word processing, and the questionable value of learning programming…

A survey by the American Council on Education of undergraduate programs in international studies and foreign languages at colleges and universities is described. The project's goal has been to examine how students use these programs including what types of students take what patterns of language and international studies courses. (MLW)

Describes how Logo has been used to introduce primary children to mathematical concepts often considered to be too difficult for them. Outlines how Logo has been used to introduce the estimation of distance, the estimation of angles, symmetry, rules of precedence, the concepts of random, and the use of variables. (TW)

Describes experiences with turtle graphics to demonstrate motion in a constant gravitational field. Provides the computer program and typical diagrams. (YP)

This paper reviews learning characteristics and best intervention practices for the mentally retarded; research on the use of computer-assisted instruction to teach language skills; alternative models for computer use, such as expert systems and learner-based software; characteristics of computer-based language activities that complement learning…

Discusses pedagogical implications of recent theory and research on response to literature. Contends that now teachers must be aware of readers, the text, and the context in which a text is read and discussed. (MS)

Describes a project designed to teach elementary students to write interactive stories using an authoring system called Story Tree. Benefits of the project are discussed, including the development of oral language, listening, reading, and writing skills; and problems with the authoring system, the writing process, and the curriculum integration…

Evaluates the effectiveness of a sixth grade experimental language arts program designed to teach higher-level thinking skills. Reports on different types of instruments for measuring higher-level thinking skills, including verbal and nonverbal tests of divergent thinking, a nonverbal test of flexible thinking, and a verbal divergent production…

Details events from the experiences of two young children as they learned written language. Concludes that children need to have a say in why and what they are reading. (FL)

Offers teachers and parents practical suggestions for helping children to begin reading naturally. Looks at specific strategies for helping young children to learn to read, particularly a built-in success procedure emphasizing nonvisual aspects of reading. (RWB)

Lists and reviews 10 recently published books from Mexico and Spain that can assist Spanish-speaking students in understanding life science, sexuality, computers, and computer programming. Gives age levels and brief descriptions of each book. (CW)

Argues that the writing program serving second-language writers requires the following: a program and courses that provide and use social context for writing and language development; teachers who know about both writing and language; and assessment that takes into account principles of language acquisition and literacy development. (JK)

Describes possible applications of optical memory developments to language education. Discusses Compact Disk Read-Only Memory and Compact Disk-Interactive, their strengths, weaknesses, targeted markets, and educational applications. (LMO)

Experiential techniques can help make students aware of what culture is and how it functions. These activities may take the form of structured in-class activities dealing with non-verbal and other culture-bound behavior, or out-of-class activities in which students observe and interact with the target language. (Author/LMO)