This study of visual discrimination training with 22 adults with mental retardation involved either computer-delivered instruction with a stimulus-fading procedure or teacher-delivered verbal and nonverbal prompts. While the teacher prompts were effective with more subjects, participants learned more discrimination problems with the computer…

Examines multichannel learning, using learning channels such as teachers, to connect learners to knowledge, skills, and information found in the immediate learning environment and the community or delivered from a distance. Also discusses international use of multichannel learning as educational development in the Philippines and Haiti. (JMV)

Describes the activities of the kNights of Physics, a group of preservice teachers, whose goal is to spread the knowledge of the fun of physics to elementary students and their parents. (JRH)

Describes a system that demonstrates how a color may be generated and specified in mathematical terms. Illustrates the mixing of primary colors as well as the concepts of saturation, luminance, and illumination. (JRH)

Describes the use of an exploratory computerized approach to introduce first-year physics students to the ramifications of Newton's third law of motion. (JRH)

This issue and its introductions, postscript, and 11 chapters deal with the special evaluation problems of programs in the developing world. Views of policymakers, practitioners, and evaluators on ways to evaluate development are presented. The collection offers a framework for debate and proposes new emphases for development evaluation. (SLD)

Four case studies evaluated the use of self-recorded word counts of freewriting in grade one, two, three, and four classes, under both loose and restricted time limits. In each case, the number of words written in a session increased over time and this increase accompanied improvements in the expressiveness of the freewriting, with little evidence…

Consideration is given to using the branching strategy to teach mathematics to children with learning disabilities, or any elementary school child having difficulties. Branching involves altering instructional goals and expectations for students based on developmental levels, learning characteristics, and sensory needs, and changing the antecedent…

Explores the concept of language awareness (LA) in relation to the acquisition of two languages by young children, examining the bilingual development of two toddlers and factors that affect bilingual development and outcomes. Suggests that communicative intent, rather than traditional tests, is a key variable in determining how LA is to be…

Presents steps taken in designing, justifying, and implementing an experimental study designed to investigate the effectiveness of distance education as a methodology for developing thinking skills. A discussion reviews major findings of the study by comparing student experiences from multimedia distance education and student experiences from…

Examines individual and classroom-level differences in motivation and strategy usage in science students. Results suggest that ability-focused practices are related to low levels of motivation, poor self-esteem, and lack of confidence in science ability. Conversely, learning-focused methods and activities in classrooms resulted in increased…

Maintains that group activities in the classroom can be beneficial both socially and academically for students. Presents a six-step plan for helping students develop social skills while working in cooperative groups. Discusses classroom management, grading, and lesson structure issues related to cooperative learning. (CFR)

A case study assessing a psychogeriatric service in the United Kingdom is evaluated. The methodology, combining naturalistic and scientific approaches, was found to be useful in extending access to decision making and improving information, but it was expensive to support, requiring high commitment and willingness to compromise from all…

Explores pluralism and the expanding community through a brief examination of the community-mural movement in the United States. It looks at the recent history of mural painting and discusses examples of community murals that deal cogently with multicultural themes. The implications to educational practice are also discussed. (GLR)

Describes a study in which two groups of students read the same case study presented either in paper form or on a computer using visuals and decision paths. Concludes that the students using the computer version performed somewhat better at choosing the correct final memo paragraph but that neither the computer nor the traditional method was…