This paper suggests that considering fundamental issues in educational research may help researchers conceptualize more productive research methodologies for computer based instruction (CBI). Inconsistent findings and methodological shortcomings in media research, including CBI, raise the possibility that current research methodologies may be…

It has been suggested in the existing literature that the use of constructivist approaches in the educational setting contributes to active learning and knowledge transfer for students. This paper provides an overview of constructivist approaches used in a graduate-level instructional media production course at a midwestern comprehensive…

A research study was undertaken to determine how U.S. history is taught and what is learned in Indiana public high schools. The objectives of the study included: (1) to ascertain the status of U.S. history in Indiana public schools; (2) to compare results of data with national literature; (3) to identify what is actually taught; (4) to ascertain…

The original authors address several concerns expressed in four responses to their article: terminology; the need for expert and intensive pedagogy (including early intensive language training); pessimistic attitudes; the need for caution in setting total habilitation as a goal; and a research model. (KM)

Care and education for young children is often understood primarily as a commodity to be provided in the marketplace, or as a kind of factory to produce human capital. But institutions for children and young people can also serve a very different role. They can be understood as forums for democratic political practice. This is a choice that we, as…

Intervention advances in mental retardation have enabled some individuals to function as independent, nonretarded persons. Establishing total habilitation (a term needed to describe this outcome) as a major goal of intervention will promote research and the development of an intervention continuum that includes prevention, total habilitation, and…

This discussion of ecological approaches to special education suggests that the relative neglect of the ecological approach is partially a result of the apparent incompatibility between ecological theory and conventional scientific approaches. It is suggested that ecological theory and positivism may be reconciled by broadening and developing…

This review examines the research on literacy expectations and priorities for students using augmentative and alternative communication systems as well as for students without disabilities. It discusses implications of research findings for education and clinical practice, such as integrating literacy instruction with other activities, fostering…

This study examined faculty characteristics and teaching environments of higher education institutions that may hinder or facilitate student-centered pedagogical practices derived from feminist theory. Feminist pedagogy generally advocates democratizing the classroom, building cooperative learning environments, legitimizing personal experiences as…

This report identifies the methods and issues in the evaluation of student writing in classrooms and large scale assessments using an analytical scoring system from the Illinois Inventory of Educational Progress (IIEP). This guide is written for staff in state offices of education conducting large-scale writing assessments, and also for personnel…

Views on the curability of mental retardation are reviewed. The implication of the view of Drash et al., that current technology makes total habilitation possible for many people, is refuted. Efforts should continue in replication research, follow-up, etc. Setting a goal of total habilitation for an individual should be exercised cautiously. (KM)

Two newsletters from the National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented (NRC/GT) include the following major articles: (1) "Everything You Need To Know about the NRC/GT: Web Site, Videos, and Texts" (E. Jean Gubbins); (2) "A. Harry Passow: Scholar and Friend" (E. Jean Gubbins and Joseph S. Renzulli); (3) "Learning How…

This article reviews the current research-based knowledge on nonpharmacological interventions for students with attention deficit disorder and highlights findings related to behavior management, academic instruction, home and school collaboration, and comprehensive programing. A lack of research is noted on interventions concerning daily classroom…

Special education students (21 learning disabled, 12 emotionally/behaviorally disordered, 14 educable mentally retarded) and 30 nonhandicapped students were observed to identify teaching structures and tasks experienced during reading in both mainstream and special education settings. Several setting effects and a difference in the amount of time…

This paper, written from a British perspective, looks at "new" methods of learning that are transforming higher education teaching and learning and at some issues in quality control that arise from these rapid changes. The author notes that in the past new methods have often mistakenly been hailed as the panacea of current educational problems but…