Presents an annotated dialogue between two teachers concerning a teacher's observations of children's play. Discusses teachers' practice of representing children's play for the children and the results of this practice. (BB)

Describes a study that analyzed the differences between 1,133 public and technical services positions described in job advertisements in 1988. Content analysis was used to determine differences in the levels of computer skills, foreign-language requirements, previous work experience, education requirements, and minimum salary offered. (20…

A review of research on children's symbolic play discusses ways for teachers to (1) defend the inclusion of play in the curriculum; (2) understand and respect differences in the ways children play; and (3) facilitate play in the classroom. Discusses the complexity of play and the controversy about play as part of the curriculum. (GLR)

Presents annotations of nine articles from the ERIC database that discuss the pedagogical relationship between reading teachers and their students. Includes articles that deal with whole-language instruction, student motivation, instructional grouping, questioning techniques, and the characteristics of effective teachers. (PRA)

This paper argues that cognitive referencing (which compares skills to cognitive level rather than to chronological age standards), used to determine children's eligibility for special language and motor services, is not consistent with current theoretical formulations. It also lacks empirical evidence for validity and results in exclusion of…

Describes a telecommunications project which linked a grade six classroom in Montreal with a grade seven classroom in Povungnituk (in northern Quebec). Discusses how the project was organized and the benefits in terms of how it helped to develop communication skills and promote cultural awareness. (MG)

Changes in immigration patterns bring problems and opportunities to higher education. New federal law significantly changes the ethnic and skills mix of the immigrant pool. Issues emerging include potential brain drain; pressure for curriculum change; language as a barrier to access; and the rights of illegal immigrants to higher education. (MSE)

This paper describes the facilitated communication method of assisting individuals with autism to type their thoughts and presents a study involving 43 individuals (ages 3-26) who were trained in facilitated communication. A seemingly normal quality of language was produced but did not result in the eradication of other autistic-like behaviors.…

Two studies examined effects of combinations of setting events on social interactions of seven preschool children with language delays and social interaction deficits. The optimal combination of events for promoting peer interaction included teacher absence from the activity, a limited number and form of materials, and children paired with a…

Learning activities to develop skills in various curriculum areas including language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science are presented, focusing on the theme of education in centuries past. Sample activities include contrasting the Spartan and Athenian educational systems and using Pestalozzi's charts for math functions. (DB)

Describes the START-UP project developed by the European Community to identify educational and training multimedia producers in European countries and to define the methodologies that these producers use in developing their products. Highlights include production stages, multimedia skills, teamwork, decision making, learning processes, learner…

Bill Clinton's first hundred days in the presidency of the United States are reviewed, focusing on his stated objectives for public education and social change and on his actions in those areas. The educational and social situation and recent events in New York City (New York) are used for illustration. (MSE)

Classroom interaction data from traditional and activity-based English classes of different sizes are compared in terms of opportunities for learners to interact meaningfully. Findings suggest that the nature of the teaching-learning activities and the teacher's role and attitude influence learner participation more than class size. (24…

This case study of an international teaching assistant's experience with college teaching focuses on the process of becoming an effective instructor in the undergraduate classroom. A developmental model that emphasizes clarifying the student's individual linguistic, cultural, social, and professional goals is suggested, and implications for…

Reports the findings from a pilot study that investigated the effects of friendship on four and five year olds during their first term in school. Results suggested that friendship played an important part in developing children's social and communicative competencies and influenced children's performance in classroom-based learning activities. (BB)