The benefits of using games in instructing learning disability students are pointed out, and some games that can be played with a deck of learning cards are outlined to illustrate several methods that can be used with a single set of materials. (SBH)

The author points out two problems with the field of learning disabilities: the term caught on before a satisfactory definition had been determined and the field totally disregards the Law of Parsimony, which requires that one should never give a complicated answer when a simple one will do. (SBH)

It is explained that many factors are involved in producing a child with learning difficulties. (Author/SBH)

Using the Add-a-Word spelling program (featuring individualized spelling tests and daily practice and testing) in a creative writing activity resulted in increased correct spelling of taught words by nine learning disabled students (from 10 to 12 years old). (CL)

The new definition of learning disabilities proposed by the National Joint Committee for Learning Disabilities is discussed in terms of its need, procedures followed in its development, the Committee's intention regarding critical elements, and the definition's current status (acceptance by four of the six member organizations). (DB)

The postural-sway response of five learning disabled (LD) and five nondisabled children was evaluated using a force platform. From statistical analysis of the two groups, the LD children appeared to use visual input to compensate for postural problems and had significant difficulty controlling posture with eyes closed. (SK)

Fifty intermediate level learning disabilities students participated in the Purdue Creative Thinking Program. Ss in the LD experimental group made significantly greater scores than LD control Ss in divergent thinking as measured by the verbal and figural subtests of the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking. (Author/CL)

The position statement of the Board of Trustees of the Council for Learning Disabilities opposes the inclusion of nonhandicapped low achievers and underachievers in learning disability programs and recommends that these students be served within the regular education program. (DB)

The paper reports on two experiments which examined the linguistic and metacognitive aspects of the communication process in 15 normally achieving and 30 learning disabled grade five children. Training increased learning disabled children's sociolinguistic awareness and their use of sociolinguistic strategies for planfulness. Interestingly, the…

A sociometric rating scale was administered to 46 mainstreamed learning disabled (LD) students. LD and nonhandicapped (NH) students did not differ significantly in regular classroom sociometric status. In addition, LD pupils were as well known as their matched peers and rated fellow LD students in the same classes higher than did NH raters.…

Thirty-two learning disabled and 32 average elementary students, matched by grade, read under three conditions: classroom group, individual, and individual restatement condition, requiring subjects to summarize contents during passage reading. Overall results of comprehension tests failed to confirm predicted differential effects of conditions on…

Cognitive neuroscience assumes that measurement of brain electrical activity should relate to cognition. Brain Electrical Activity Mapping (BEAM), a non-invasive technique, is used to record changes in activity from one brain area to another and is 80 to 90 percent successful in classifying subjects as dyslexic or normal. (MT)

The author criticizes an exploratory study of mathematics curricula for 6-13 year olds for its neglect of the needs of students with learning difficulties. He cites the importance of better assessment strategies, use of the problem-solving approach, development of an intersubject emphasis, and encouragement of estimating abilities. (CL)