Offers a series of recommendations for middle grades social studies reflecting a conscious commitment to three educational goals: (1) personal development; (2) communication and learning skills; and (3) on history, government, and geography; use of a variety of teaching methods; and recognition of the uniqueness of middle school students. (GEA)

Discusses one teacher's experience in helping a student in that student's literacy development. Considers this in terms of a "career awareness activity." Discusses the presentation of "literacy as commodity," and defining a student by what part of themselves they can "sell." (SG)

The decisions today's students make ripple outward to their immediate family and school community. How can teachers help students make the right decisions and do the right things? When teachers help students make the connection between character and conduct, they begin to offer students a safe environment conducive to learning. This book shows how…

Reviews student development theory and outlines obstacles to and necessary strategies for implementation of the student development approach to higher education. Such efforts support liberal arts objectives by helping students become more efficient users of academic and student life programs. (JAC)

Asserting that psychoanalysis and writing instruction have much to offer each other, this book examines the intersection between these two fields and proposes pedagogical uses of psychoanalytic technique for writing instruction. Articulating an approach based on the work of Jacques Lacan, the book shows how a psychoanalytic perspective can offer…

Contends that, because writing is one intellectual activity that finds its direct source in the emotions, writing teachers must come to terms with the existence and importance of familial diversity and examine more fully the manner in which the emotional and intellectual lives of their students intermingle. Discusses, in this context, personal…

Activities designed to acquaint students with the library media center are listed: find examples of fractions; estimate the total number of books; find information on a topic; pick favorite leads; locate the most and least popular books; find animal heroes; discover answers to questions; redesign the library; select a book for a secret partner;…

The questions of purposes and methods as related to assessment of student learning are considered. It is difficult to find assessment invoked without a parallel call for improvement, particularly improved teaching and learning. Also, much attention has focused on problematic dimensions of measuring what students learn, but the fundamental set of…

Fostering the lifelong habit of reading is a vitally important goal that educators should embrace. When teaching and learning are connected to lifetime literacy efforts, students are in a better position to learn effectively and to develop the love of learning. Many teachers and administrators have demonstrated a keen interest in helping their…

Encourages development of a communication assessment program designed primarily for a nontraditional, older and more diverse student population. Concludes that the prior learning assessment philosophy is a sophisticated and suitable methodology for assessing communication competency. (KEH)

Presents guidelines developed by the League for Innovation in the Community College for the future development of student services, including a comprehensive list of criteria for developing and evaluating successful programs. Advocates the use of staff development resources to build college-wide teams to design and implement programs that increase…

Students with disabilities often experience particular difficulties with handwriting, and these problems can hinder their development both in school and in postsecondary settings. This paper addresses three issues: (1) the possibility of a prejudicial and potentially lasting first impression, based on the individual's handwriting; (2) the lack of…

Oral communication competence is essential for career success and for effective participation as a citizen in a democratic society. Unfortunately, many students do not have oral communication competence, and even more unfortunately the success of graduating students rests heavily on their communication skills. Oral communication competence,…

Student leadership can become a malevolent force which can destroy or undermine individuals as well as the school community. Student leaders' roles in schools can also, however, be benevolent, leading to both personal development and school/community development. In schools for blacks in South Africa, black power and student power may combine to…

Developing curriculum from a constructivist perspective helps students at all grade levels learn more effectively. The developmental abilities of children are stressed, and students are taught new information by connecting it with concepts they already know. The thoughtful mediation of the teacher is a critical component of constructivism. (MD)