To explore the structure of academic work in classrooms, a case analysis was conducted of the academic tasks accomplished in three English classes taught by the same teacher. The authors conclude that the study contributes to the development of a language with which to describe curriculum dimensions of the teaching process. (MJL)

Explains how providing a general theme and a varied audience for writing helped improve student research papers. (FL)

This book offers practical and effective strategies for stress management for both early childhood staff and the children in their care. Here, the author uncovers valuable insights into the causes of stress and outlines a range of activities to counteract it. Early childhood practitioners know that theirs is both a stressful and rewarding…

This book, part of a series which serve as guides for K-12 teachers who are striving to align lively, classroom-tested practices with standards, gathers together brief articles spotlighting suggestions for effective instruction. Beginning with activities that help students think through the audience and purpose for their writing, this book offers…

Outlined is a body of knowledge, the core of sociology, that belongs in the introductory sociology course. How the course is taught is also important. Class sections should be small; students should be required to write a great deal; and an informal, but structured setting should stimulate student- teacher interaction. (Author/RM)

"Compupoem" is a program that helps students write poems, emphasizes process/product, and encourages divergent problem-solving. A description of the program, sample student session, and an example of a completed poem are provided. The Computers and Poetry Project which produces elementary/secondary-level, interactive poetry-writing…

Seven articles contain information about measurement and evaluation in physical education and sport and complement the "Basic Stuff" series. They focus on (1) student self-assessment for exercise physiology; (2) monitoring motor development; (3) biomechanical analysis; and (4) measurements of aesthetic qualities, psychosocial…

Suggests the importance of George Orwell's "1984" for today's students and recommends specific analytic and descriptive writing activities to develop critical reading skills. (MM)

Uses personal experience to show how writing instructors can help students articulate their audience and purpose, use written products purposefully, identify the intellectual demands of their task, and then consciously formulate their ideas in light of these demands. (MM)

The chair of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports discusses reasons for engaging in lifetime sports and gives guidelines parents can follow to steer their children toward sports they can enjoy. (PP)

Reviewed research on the relationship between health, family communication, and support systems. Described a project encouraging family members to support each other's attempts to alter their diet and exercise patterns. Demonstrated that promoting social support for change among family members can encourage changes in diet and, less effectively,…

New approaches to teaching aerobic life-styles in secondary schools are suggested, focusing on three components: (1) the psychological benefits of aerobic activity; (2) alternative aerobic programs at nonschool locations; and (3) the development of an aerobics curriculum to help maintain an active life-style after graduation. (JN)

Presents five instructional techniques: (1) Exercises based on ads for computerized marriage arrangements; (2) analysis of missing person ad, including comprehension and writing exercises; (3) construction of a labyrinth game in class; (4) classroom game requiring reconstruction of a text; and (5) use of comic strips to teach argumentation. (AMH)

Recent history of writing research introduces a treatise on the development of writing abilities in preschool age children. Topics include composing processes, an examination of research done on the function rather than the form of writing, and language variation among various ethnolinguistic groups. (JN)

Physical education teachers and coaches are encouraged to increase their role-modeling influence by developing common interests with students, giving more attention to individual students, becoming more skillful and knowledgeable in their specialty, and reinforcing students who follow their example. (JMF)