The effectiveness of advanced learning technologies is discussed and the concept of Just-in-Time Learning Systems with the potential of multimedia for interactive learning is advocated. Five key elements of a multimedia learning system are presented, including the use of digitized video. (LB)

A headteacher at a British special school for children with disabilities advocates retaining the best of traditional practice in teaching mathematics within the requirements of the National Curriculum. Noted are proposals emphasizing differentiated programs stressing application, selectivity, differentiation in depth, and student motivation. (DB)

The University of Oklahoma's Department of Family Medicine has an Individualized Faculty Development System that features self-assessment, discrepancy analysis, learning contracts, and quarterly progress reviews. An essential feature is mentoring by senior faculty. (SK)

Although an Illinois district had worked successfully with the Thoughtful Education model for instructional and curriculum reform, its tests still focused students' attention on grades. Using personalized learning principles stressing choice, understanding, motivation, engagement, critical thinking, and reflection, faculty created tests compatible…

Examines effects of adaptive instruction on results of 456 children in the first year of reading instruction at 23 Dutch primary schools. Teachers in the experimental group show significantly higher adaptive instructional behaviors (optimizing time on task and using direct instruction and phonics methods) than control-group teachers. (59…

Discusses opportunities available to writing centers involving four potentials for institutional refiguration: (1) institutional space; (2) knowledge production and intellectual property; (3) research paradigms and rewards; (4) and budget allocations. (NH)

Argues that the organization and practice of higher education is based on faulty assumptions about the structure of knowledge and nature of learning. Proposes an alternative form of undergraduate education based on the principle that learning takes place through the activity of the learner, and emphasizing the individual nature of learning,…

Six suggestions for individualizing instruction include: (1) grouping kids for instructional needs; (2) reducing class size; (3) providing additional resources; (4) increasing the amount of instructional time; (5) utilizing support personnel; and (6) preparing personnel with skills needed for individualization. (DB)

This review of the literature finds an inconsistency between general education teachers' generally positive attitudes toward making instructional adaptations for students with disabilities and evidence that they are unlikely to alter their traditional whole-class instructional strategies. A lack of teacher training and limited school support are…

A study investigated the impact of the use of the Vermont Interdependent Services Team Approach (VISTA) by seven individual student-planning teams on students (ages 5-13) with deaf-blindness educated in inclusive classes with individually determined support services. Greater implementation of decisions made using VISTA increased the likelihood of…

Offers strategies for modifying the regular class curriculum for high-ability students including lesson modifications, assignment modifications, and scheduling modifications. Three case studies illustrate these modifications. (DB)

Examines the relationship between attendance in personal contact programs (PCPs) and achievement in open distance education. The sample consisted of 83 secondary level students of National Open School (NOS), India. Findings indicate a positive correlation between attendance in the PCPs and learner performance. (AEF)

Detracking alone is not the best means of raising student achievement. Students with different abilities, interests, and motivation levels should be offered differentiated instruction that meets their individual needs. Unfortunately, only a small number of teachers employ differentiation in their classrooms. Training and instructional grouping…

First examines issues in the identification of mathematically gifted children in the context of V. A. Krutetskii's categories of mathematical ability developed in his 1976 work, "The Psychology of Mathematical Abilities in Schoolchildren." A case study model is then offered which involves continuous and interactive identification and…

Some children learn to read easily with phonics, and some do better with a whole-language approach. Principals should understand both systems and use the best of both, together with other effective reading programs. Teachers should balance their reading programs by providing structure for analytic students, reading to students, and relying on…