Teacher developed U.S. history curriculum materials involve high school students in analyzing rival historical interpretations. Students learn how to deal with arguments through the booklet "A Guide to Critical Thinking" and then analyze and debate interpretations. Appendices include sample materials and a matrix of content with associated…

The uneven skills profiles of diversely prepared students suggest the need for a broadened definition of basic skills. An enlarged, pivotal role is proposed for skills specialists, with a goal of helping to create skills-competent institutions. (Author/MLW)

The impact of college on critical thinking ability was studied. Freshmen and seniors at a mideastern university were given either a general instruction or multiple specific instructions for critically evaluating one of two articles. Seniors provided more appropriate criticisms to both kinds of instructions for both articles. (Author/MLW)

Discusses the role of computer assisted instruction in helping children develop such basic skills as handwriting, reading, and understanding elementary numerical and spatial concepts. Indicates that techniques based on computer assisted instruction will aid children in academic and social development. (Author/JN)

A team-taught, skills-oriented approach is used to introduce freshmen to United States history at the University of Vermont. Constant feedback has identified course strengths and weaknesses. The appendix lists course topics and workbook assignments. (AM)

Assesses student responses to and evaluates effectiveness of exercises designed to develop critical and analytical reasoning skills in the biological sciences. In answering exercises consisting of problems in a multiple-choice format, students are required to write out justifications for acceptance/rejection of each choice. Significant improvement…

Evaluates the Study Improvement Program, an 11-week program to improve the study skills of college freshmen. Describes selection and training of undergraduate group leaders and outlines goals for each session. Results of a subjective evaluation showed the program was effective in improving grades and reducing dropouts. (Author/JAC)

Techniques to help update and improve the teaching of basketball are described, including: (1) drills to increase physical fitness and motor skill development; (2) the use of drill stations to practice specific playing skills; (3) offensive and defensive techniques; and (4) teaching free-throws and rebounding. (PP)

Discusses various program activities at New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) camps, including environmental workshops which foster exploration, discovery, and skill development. Highlights recreational and evening activities for the one-week camping experience for 12 to 17 year olds. (JN)

Relates the theory of learned helplessness to the losses of aging, and describes a brief experiential training program for service providers, teaching interpersonal skills useful in working with the depressed elderly. Focuses on reducing helplessness by allowing the elderly to have impact within the counseling interaction. (RC)

Describes a pedagogical approach to teaching composition, based on research indicating that inexperienced writers have undeveloped composing processes. Presents a sample lesson for describing an item that gives technical writing students knowledge of how they write and introduces them to strategies for mastering the composing process. (HTH)

Notes that children who speak little or no English are often placed in regular classrooms without benefit of help from bilingual programs. Offers ideas classroom teachers can use in helping these children learn to read. (FL)

Describes an inservice technique that models for teachers how they can use the Directed Reading Thinking Activity to develop students' predictive strategies. (FL)

Suggests that lags in practitioner development for mental health primary prevention programs are due to the emphasis that practitioner education places on individual treatment rather than on larger ecological systems affecting the individual. Describes core activities of primary prevention and the knowledge, skills, and attributes necessary to…

Individual Student Improvement Plans (ISIP) cover students with basic skills deficiencies at sixth grade or later levels. Many plan mechanisms provide schools with comprehensive diagnostic data. The state code requirements for evaluation are given with NJEA recommendations to rely upon existing data regarding student standing in course objectives.…