The best elementary schools celebrate individual differences among students. Mindful of the need for creative adaptation, this article summarizes qualitative indicators of effective schools, including happy environment, varied learning styles, mutual regard between children and adults, school readiness and enthusiasm, well-articulated mission,…

A growing body of research has exploded the notion that a single, highly proselyted method of teaching is good for shorthand. Discussed are (1) the major goal of shorthand/transcription, (2) an instructional design for achieving this goal, and (3) the decisions and options that emerge in the dual-system classroom. (HD)

Educationists and researchers who consider the use of the learning style concept to address individual differences in learning are often daunted by the multitude of definitions, models, and instruments. It is difficult to make an informed choice. The confusion with cognitive style, a term often used as a synonym, makes it even more complicated.…

A look at themselves and their classmates can give students a new view of all people. (Editor)

This book presents a model of curriculum development for gifted students and offers four parallel approaches that focus on ascending intellectual demand as students develop expertise in learning. The parallel curriculum's four approaches include: (1) the core or basic curriculum; (2) the curriculum of connections, which expands on the core…

This book presents an approach to learning that builds on trust and personal regard. It is based on the experiences of a second grade teacher and relates anecdotal experiences. Chapter I discusses beginning the transference of power, pre-planning for the school year, and creating an environment. Chapter II discusses building trust, focusing on…

The paper reviews research studies on individual differences in students' predispositions to learning either in quiet or with sound. One study with 64 sixth graders found students achieved higher standardized reading test scores and had better attitudes when taught in congruent, rather than incongruent, environments. (DB)

Some feel that a persistent shortcoming of the collective views of human action is that they often advocate a view of the individual as merely a bearer or token for the group to which he or she belongs. These theories do not account for individual choice. This project attempts to arrive at a general critique of individualism, drawing on a number…

Definitions and identification practices are examined in light of special problems facing gifted disabled and gifted disadvantaged students. Research is reviewed on a variety of gifted subgroups, including physical disabilities, diverse cultures and ethnic groups, underachievement, and learning disabilities. Differences in definitions of gifted…

Many learning disabled adolescent students can have a successful college experience if a school follows appropriate guidelines for counseling such students. The guidelines include establishing objective criteria for students' college abilities and needs, continuing to evaluate learning problems, and researching available college programs. (CJH)

Surveyed 421 high school females to determine the prevalence of bulimia. Teenage vomiters were found to have higher levels of somatic symptoms, anxiety, social dysfunction, depression, and disturbed attitudes toward food, eating, and dieting. The findings provided information useful to school personnel who work with adolescents. (JAC)

Research psychologist Howard Gardner susggests that there are at least seven intelligences and that competence in these intelligences varies. The biological and cultural bases of this theory is explored. Implications for teachers are offered. (DF)

Discusses studies by Donald LaSalle showing that students' performance can vary widely over the day according to the workings of their individual biological clocks. Presents exercises to help children identify their own "body rhythm prime time" and suggests rescheduling instruction to accommodate these differences. Condensed from…

A typology of teacher personality based on orientation toward classroom processes, locus of control, and belief systems can be used in individualizing teacher training. (Editor)

Describes the Planning Pyramid, a framework to help regular and special education teachers cover required curriculum while modifying learning requirements to meet individual differences. The pyramid's base represents "what all students will learn," the middle portion "what most students will learn," and the top portion "what some students will…