Within the context of an ongoing classwide peer tutoring system for sight words, a training program was conducted to teach first-grade peer tutors to provide verbal praise for correct responses on an intermittent schedule. After training, the four observed tutors successfully delivered praise on the desired schedule. (Author/JDD)

A vocabulary instruction program for intermediate grades is described. The program improves comprehension through use of such features as multiple exposures to words in various contexts and engaging students in active thinking about word meanings. This method of instruction is compared with instruction that offers only definitional information.…

Strategies are suggested to assist students with reading comprehension difficulties. Strategies include: (1) developing appropriate background through discussion of story concepts, brainstorming, conceptual webbing, and kinesthetic or tactile experiences; (2) asking students to predict what will happen; (3) reciprocal questioning between students…

Three holistic approaches to reading comprehension instruction for learning-disabled children are described: text-based instruction, explicit comprehension instruction, and a combined model. Following discussion of each model's strengths, weaknesses, and teaching techniques, the combined model is recommended. (Author/JDD)

States that the task of the school is to motivate and enable people to continue their education throughout life. Proposes that this goal be met by arousing students' interest in reading while they are being taught to read. Presents the criteria for a good school library and discusses ways in which student interest may be aroused. (GEA)

A survey of classroom teachers revealed that most support remedial and learning-disabled resource room reading programs, although many teachers would prefer smaller classes to the many federal programs which they feel do not always address their needs. (CB)

Indicates that students who received direct instruction performed significantly better than students trained in inquiry on the analogy task and control subjects on the comprehension task. Gifted students consistently outperformed nongifted students on all measures, and tutored students performed comparably to students trained by the investigators.…

A microeconomic theory is used to examine student learning curves. Achievement and time allocation measures are from a half dozen pupils in each of 21 fifth- and 25 second-grade classrooms in reading and mathematics. Also studied are the role teachers' values play in allocating learning time to students. (MLF)

Explores several areas related to the development of reading skills in the Business Foreign Language course, including pre-reading activities, schema theory, the importance of background knowledge, and post-reading activities, and presents examples of how such activities as reading periodicals in the second language can enhance learning.…

Two recent reports on reading have attempted to do the following: (1) summarize national trends in reading performance; (2) review research pertaining to reading education. After discussing the findings of both, the article concludes that each fails to address seriously the broad cultural significance of illiteracy and literacy. (PS)

This study investigates the claim that pupil race affects the reading grouping decisions of elementary school teachers, causing Black children to be overrepresented in lower ability groups. These analyses failed to uncover evidence of racial bias, though Black pupils were more likely to be placed in the lowest groups. (Author/LMO)

The relationship between grouping and friendship is examined in a longitudinal data set containing information on students in 110 reading groups in 32 classrooms of fourth, fifth, and sixth grades. (Author/LMO)

Proposes use of computer simulations to help students build reading comprehension skills, and describes an existing simulation which requires readers to interact with text to accomplish some purpose. Differences between teaching reading skills with simulations and the way they are traditionally taught, and future potential of reading simulations…

Describes procedures found to be effective for eliciting children's creative dramatic play in the classroom. A second-grade classroom scenario provides an example of the way key components of play training techniques can be implemented by the teacher and indicates the decision-making processes to be addressed.

Analyzes the comments and behavior of one student during an interpretive reading discussion to show that this student proceeds in a cycle of learning. Reviews research in problem solving and reading comprehension to show that, for this student, reading comprehension is problem solving. (FL)