Computational Thinking is considered a universal competence, which should be added to every child's analytical ability as a vital ingredient of their school learning. In this article we further elaborate on what Computational Thinking is and present examples of what needs to be taught and how. First we position Computational Thinking in Papert's…

This article compares the definition of "box plot" as used in the "Australian Curriculum: Mathematics" with other definitions used in the education community; describes the difficulties students experience when dealing with box plots; and discusses the elaboration that is necessary to enable teachers to develop the knowledge…

The term "critical thinking" (CT) is frequently found in educational policy documents in sections outlining curriculum goals. Despite this frequency, however, precise understandings among teachers of what CT really means are lacking. In this study, 72 high school teachers in Hong Kong were surveyed and interviewed on their beliefs about…

Among findings are that issues involving teaching techniques, teacher training, and problems of definition are the main areas needing resolution; that better teaching techniques for children with learning disabilities are of paramount importance; and that some 60 percent of 108 survey respondents considered reading to be the most important…

The paper addresses the educational needs of severely handicapped students with emphasis on the redirecting and redesigning of current thinking, curriculum structure, and teaching methods so that students develop functional skills. Stressed are the need to reconsider the definition of the severely handicapped, the purpose of their education, and…

Academically underprepared students are identified, and a variety of programs for helping them are described and evaluated. (Editor)

This document examines study skills and presents various approaches to teaching the skills at the elementary and secondary levels. The teaching of study skills should have a high priority in our schools to help students deal efficiently with their daily classroom tasks and to equip them for a lifetime of learning. There are many different ways to…

In societies with rich oral traditions in which knowledge and wisdom are transmitted by way of mouth, through recitation, song and drama, the inability to read and write does not mean ignorance or lack of intelligence. Literacy is, however, essential for gaining legal and socioeconomic rights. Literacy campaigns should therefore involve changing…

This fact sheet on mental retardation is offered in both English and Spanish. First it provides the federal definition of mental retardation and discusses components of the definition. Causes of mental retardation are briefly noted, and incidence figures are provided. Typical characteristics of people with mental retardation are mentioned.…

This fact sheet, written in both English and Spanish, provides a definition, information on incidence, typical characteristics, and educational implications of emotional disturbance. The definition is from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and incidence in 1999-2000 is reported as about 470,000 children and youth. Educational…

The term inclusion has been subject to extensive debate in terms of its definition, interpretation and delivery in relation to children with special educational needs (SEN) in physical education (PE). This study explores the views and experiences of teacher trainers in their role of preparing secondary PE trainees for the inclusion of children…

A literature search revealed various definitions of literacy and various theories about how basic skills relate to occupational skills. For example, literacy was said to be defined within the context of a society and was often measured in society, rather than in isolation. Alarms were sounded about the many people in the United States who lack…

The paper identifies important issues and trends to individualize education for gifted learners with educationally significant handicaps. Literature is reviewed in terms of five ways to understand modifying educational practice: (1) definitions (language used to order and organize knowledge and policies for service delivery) and designations…

Definitions and goals of lifelong education are discussed, and how instructors in the colleges and universities of Great Britain could change their own instructional methods and course content to make them compatible with the promotion of lifelong learning is examined. (RM)

This fact sheet on Down Syndrome is offered in both English and Spanish. First it provides a definition and description of this syndrome, noting its etiology in a chromosomal abnormality. Incidence figures are then given. Typical characteristics of people with Down Syndrome are listed. Commonly associated health-related problems are noted,…