Two recent studies have concluded that integrated learning systems have enormous potential but are seldom fully implemented. ILSs can transform classrooms if accompanied by increased time-on-task, computerized learning resources, effective assessment and reporting, guaranteed individualized instruction, and facilitative teachers. Sound…

Examines issues involved in processing rush document delivery requests. Presents a survey of CD-ROM and online document delivery services; suggests in-house techniques to access documents; and reviews technological advancements made in document delivery. Sidebars present typical turnaround times for various document formats and typical document…

This study evaluated the Task Demonstration Model for teaching discrimination skills with three teachers and their students (adolescents and young adults with moderate to severe mental retardation). The intervention required students to respond simultaneously. Students increased their percentage and rate of correct responding as well as their…

Discusses the use of correspondence training in the classroom to improve learning outcomes. Defines the training as an experimental behavioral strategy that takes into account the degree to which people achieve what they are aiming to do. Concludes from research involving middle school students that the subjects achieved a better work output in…

A four-equation simultaneous equations model was developed to analyze whether college student effort and achievement are jointly determined. Testing with 544 undergraduate students indicated that increased student efforts in working with faculty improved their grades, but course effort and library effort had no significant effect on grade point…

Sixteen students with learning disabilities in junior high special education classrooms were given instruction in science, with levels of teacher enthusiasm manipulated. Results suggest that more enthusiastic presentations resulted in significantly higher academic achievement and lower levels of off-task behavior. (Author/JDD)

In a study on the effects of play period length on four and five year olds' play behavior, results indicated that play time affected the amount and maturity of play. Guidelines for structuring play time in the classroom are offered. (BB)

Preschool teachers of children with attentional disorders and delays need to increase pupil engaged time for effective language learning, through such techniques as following the child's lead, providing novelty, using interactive teaching techniques (e.g., incidental teaching, mand-model technique, systematic commenting), and using activity-based…

Study analyzed relationships between teacher behavior and student academic learning time (ALT) in junior high physical education (PE). Analysis of videotaped classes indicated students spent under 15% of their time in ALT-PE. The most frequent teacher behaviors were silence, management, preinstruction, and concurrent instruction. (SM)

Describes a study of college students that examined the instructional effect of visual and verbal metaphors in facilitating student achievement of different educational objectives. The effect of students' verbal ability and the amount of time they spent interacting with their respective instructional modules were also measured. (Author/LRW)

A study examined the impact of functional assessment interventions on appropriate and challenging behaviors of 75 typical children (ages 3-6), 60 children at-risk, and 75 children with special needs. Functional assessment procedures resulted in a decrease in challenging behavior and nonengagement and an increase in active engagement and peer…

Examines the effects of program mode (i.e., a lean program version containing a basic amount of learner practice versus a full mode containing expanded practice) and learner preference (matched or unmatched) for amount of practice on the achievement, time-in-program, and attitudes of university undergraduate students. Students preferred the lean…

One of a series of articles on principles of good practice in legal education, this article focuses on the importance of spending time and energy for efficient learning. Discusses ways to optimize student time on task, faculty time on task, institutional time on task, and the overall time and attention devoted to teaching and learning within legal…

Explores time, distance, focus, and excellence within the context of art and arts education policy and the relationships among them. Raises several questions for policy makers related to attracting/keeping arts teachers, helping students learn the unique lessons of art, and maintaining necessary policy positions in a dynamic environment. (CMK)

Examined the efficacy of an automated reinforcement device, the Attention Training System (ATS), in decreasing off-task behavior in an 11-year-old, fifth-grade student who had been diagnosed as being affected with ADHD and had been placed in Special Education Resources Room programming. Results indicated success in three subject areas. (JBJ)