Suggestions for teachers who wish to increase academic learning time for learning-disabled students include: reducing transition time; shortening recess or free time; creating more teacher-led instructional groups; teaching more and testing less; increasing teacher questioning; increasing teacher enthusiasm; improving seatwork tasks; giving…

A self-monitoring treatment (via taped cues) was used to increase time-on-task behavior of two emotionally disturbed and three mentally retarded elementary grade children, all of whom were easily distracted from class activities. In general, the program resulted in improved attention to task and academic productivity. (CB)

The impact of exposure time, instructional methods, and teacher quality in a family life education program for junior high students was investigated and classified according to intensity. The more intensive the program, the greater the gains in knowledge about teen reproduction and prevention methods. (Author/CH)

Investigated classroom management practices in 26 classes taught by 13 junior high and middle/junior high school teachers using student-on-task, off-task, and disruptive student behaviors as primary criteria of management effectiveness. Effective management practices for general classroom procedures, laboratory procedures, managing student…

Describes a summer school computer-assisted reading program and reports on differences in student attitudes, time on task, and skill mastery resulting from either teacher-based instruction or a combination of computer-assisted and teacher-based instruction. (AEA)

Two experiments were conducted to examine the possibility that varying college students' methods of encoding advance organizers would influence the memorability of the organizers and subsequent reading materials. Results indicated that students dealing with the semantic base of organizers had significantly greater memory for the organizers and…

This literature review concludes that, although time spent is not so consistently related to achievement as it may seem, studies of time use in schools provide important information that can serve as a base for school improvement. (MJL)

A study was conducted to quantify the laboratory time-on-task behavior of students enrolled in selected programs of vocational horticulture and to relate variables to time-on-task behavior. Standing idle was the most frequent reason for coding behavior off task. Male pupils had higher time-on-task scores than female pupils. (CT)

The effects of a free-time contingency on the grammar skills of nine mildly handicapped students were investigated in this article. Use of free time was correlated with improved skills by all students. Problems and benefits of the procedures are discussed. (Author/DF)

A study examined student engaged and nonengaged behavior in mathematics class during various types of instructional activities and at different age levels. Third- and fifth-grade students spent more time on seatwork, while seventh-grade students had more teacher-led activities. As grade level increased, student engagement decreased. (Author/PP)

Argues that instead of lengthening school days and years, schools should efficiently include rescheduling school days to include solely academic courses and instituting mastery learning. (JW)

"Harvard Education Letter" is published bimonthly at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. This issue of "Harvard Education Letter" contains the following articles: (1) (In)formative Assessments: New Tests and Activities Can Help Teachers Guide Student Learning (Robert Rothman); (2) Recent Research on the Achievement Gap: How Lifestyle…

There is compelling evidence that organized, structured activities during the out-of-school hours play a valuable and a highly valued role in the lives of the nation's young people, but low-income and minority families are far more likely to be dissatisfied with the quality, affordability and availability of options in their communities. This…

This book is about strategies learners can use to make their language learning and practice more successful and enjoyable. It is also about how teachers can help their learners develop those strategies. By making strategies part of their courses, teachers can help prepare their learners for their future study. This practical guide gives examples…

This study uses two national data sets to explore the relationship between faculty practices and student engagement. Our findings suggest that students report higher levels of engagement and learning at institutions where faculty members use active and collaborative learning techniques, engage students in experiences, emphasize higher-order…