This monograph on learning communities and the first-year college experience presents 12 chapters which combine theory with examples of good practice and recommendations for building and sustaining effective learning communities. Following an introduction by the editor, the included chapters are: (1) "What Are Learning Communities?"…

Describes the use of peer coaching to provide inservice teacher education to early childhood special educators in two communities. One approach used a combination expert/reciprocal peer coaching method with Head Start teachers. The second used an expert model with teachers in preschool programs. Emphasis in both models is on development of…

This article explains how cooperative learning techniques can be used to teach interpersonal social skills, describes the cognitive-behavioral model for treating deficits in social problem-solving skills, and outlines the critical steps for using peers as social skills trainers in classrooms with antisocial students. (DB)

Presents techniques that in the author's experience have helped middle-school students produce better, more original work. Alternative formats to the traditional report project, clear assignment criteria, a grading rubric, and instruction in visual communication are all valuable. A model with which teachers can reduce plagiarism and promote…

Designed as a model to demonstrate one way in which English language arts common curriculum goals can be extended throughout grades K-12, this document is the integated work of English language arts educators and curriculum specialists. Following an introduction that outlines the steps necessary to adapt the model to fit local needs, the first…

This book is intended to help college faculty effectively design and evaluate courses and curricula. The 16 chapters address the following topics: a learning-centered approach to course and curriculum design; a systematic design model (showing benefits); the decision to begin a curriculum project; getting started; linking goals, courses, and…

This teaching manual for treatment of children with developmental disabilities is divided into seven sections that address: (1) basic concepts; (2) transition into treatment; (3) early learning concepts; (4) expressive language; (5) strategies for visual learners; (6) programmatic considerations; and (7) organizational and legal issues. Among…

This article proposes a teaching model using story reading in a preschool class that includes children with specific speech language problems. A collaborative relationship between the speech language pathologist and the classroom teacher is urged. An extensive appendix categorizes clinical intervention uses for many popular children's books. (DB)

A collaborative model for special educators and parents to use in devising strategies parents can use at home for children with learning disabilities is described. A case study of a child whose parent tutored her using an individualized tutoring program designed by the special educator after the initial evaluation is presented. (CR)

This book applies the foundational elements of the model for teaching and learning called Dimensions of Learning (DoL) to administrative practice. It explores the process of observation for DoL in a comprehensive way. Chapter 2 provides an overview of the key structural elements and group processes that should be in evidence in a school system…

The theoretical model of a good teacher has evolved through three stages: (1) the subject-matter model, which was predominant in the 19th century and through the 1930s; (2) the trait-factor model, which accompanied the "baby boom" era of the 1950s and 1960s; and (3) the instructional design model, whose development paralleled the emergence of the…

This report presents distance education as a viable alternative to more traditional college course-offerings. The argument is made that the most effective competitive strategies are innovative and effective educational strategies, of which distance education is one. The report first discusses distance education in theory and practice and reviews…

Presents a model of instruction in which media specialists, in cooperation with teachers, go beyond teaching library skills and work with students to develop critical thinking and information use skills. (CLB)

Examines some traditional instructional strategies used to improve textual materials for learning at a distance, including advance organizers, overviews, pretests, objectives, and inserted questions, together with devices in typography and graphics. Research in each area is reviewed and guidelines are given for using each strategy. An extensive…

Use of the Teaching Strategies Observation Differential (TSOD), a 10-category system for observing and classifying teacher classroom behavior, is discussed as it relates to training preservice elementary school science teachers. Contends that skill in the use of TSOD helps preservice teachers become more effective in bringing about desired pupil…