Virtual schools have the potential to improve student learning--but so far, as asserted in this article, research tells little about how online instruction affects student performance. Most of the studies that pointed to good student outcomes were small in scale and based on specific programs or products. Few provide data to help understand…

This article reviews the research on student summarization of text--presenting basic rules of summarization, relating grade-level abilities, and giving teacher guidelines. A 10-item reference list is provided. (DCS)

The author, responding to an article in the November 1980 "Educational Leadership" criticizing his original article in the April 1980 issue of the journal, maintains his argument that, according to research, disadvantaged students do prefer accepting, flexible teachers, as shown in the television series "Welcome Back Kotter." (MLF)

Each of the five principal goals of education--cultural literacy, understanding, synthesis, mastery, and involvement--is best achieved using teaching strategies that develop thinking skills appropriate to the curriculum objectives associated with the goal in question. The specific strategy selected depends on learner readiness and content…

A learning environment stimulating enough for extraverted students may be too stimulating for introverted students (and for the teacher). (Author)

Proposes a method for evaluating courseware as an integral part of curriculum, based both on "curriculum commonplaces" (the curriculum content and all that surrounds it) and on educational values and beliefs; an evaluative matrix is offered, with the commonplaces arrayed along one axis, values and beliefs along the other. (MCG)

Cooperative learning focuses group activity on preparing all members to succeed on individual assessments. Research findings show significantly greater achievement for the cooperatively taught class. Describes the elements of two comprehensive cooperative methods and proposes a model of a cooperative elementary school. (MLF)

To solve the problems of low achieving students, it is important to change the quality of teaching instruction. Cognitive instruction is presented as a critical component for this large scale-change. Includes extensive references. (MD)

Effective teaching practices identified through research stress the search for meaning and can therefore serve as a foundation for teaching thinking, despite grade-level and subject matter differences in content, teacher role, engagement time, and outcomes sought. Effective teaching is structured, interactive, and conducted in a positive learning…

Studies show that students are capable of correctly identifying their own learning styles. (JM)

Research in cognitive science is providing an increasingly detailed understanding of human cognition. Teachers can help students become conscious of their own reasoning processes and then learn to compare, contrast, interrelate, or coordinate various ways in which they think in order to refine their problem-solving methods. (Author/MLF)

Drawing from research findings, this article identifies five dimensions of teacher evaluation (summative versus formative evaluation, criteria and standards, discernment versus criticism, and arithmetic versus holistic evaluation), then suggests three methods for making holistic judgments about teachers. (Author/JM)

Examines recent research to show that group-based mastery learning programs have consistently positive effects on student learning outcomes, including academic achievement, material retention, involvement in learning activities, and student attitudes. These programs also affect teachers and have considerable potential for implementation in regular…

Research findings are cited that explain how reading comprehension is a complex process involving the coordination of multiple factors and provide a basis for instructional methods to improve children's reading comprehension skills. (MLF)

Active, teacher-centered instruction is not necessarily effective with all students for all purposes. (Author)