Learning to spell on the computer may lead to functionally useful writing skills. Alan and Suzy, teenagers with developmental disabilities, were already proficient on a variety of naming and matching tasks but had difficulties spelling; Suzy also made errors reading orally. In Experiment 1, computer teaching led to new anagram and written spelling…

Why are many teachers around the world moving toward task-based learning (TBL)? This shift is based on the strong belief that TBL facilitates second language acquisition and makes second language learning and teaching more principled and effective. Based on insights gained from using tasks as research tools, this volume shows how teachers can use…

By viewing standardized reading tests as a unique genre that could be taught, the author designed a two-week genre study for her reading workshop. The article describes how she planned, taught, and reflected on the unit. This genre study resolved some of the dilemmas she faced around preparing students for mandated testing. (Contains 1 table and 2…

This review of the literature on adaptations in art education for students with disabilities begins with a statement of the theory that if handicapped students' beginning experiences in art are positive and successful, students will have a positive outlook and a desire to create further in art. The review describes the application of task analysis…

What task descriptions and task analyses are, how to write task descriptions, and the relationship of task descriptions to instructional objectives are demonstrated in educational settings. A task description is a systematic method of listing the salient features of a task, and identifies the steps or actions that must be taken to perform a task.…

The article examines the need for instruction in social skills and discusses the role of task analysis in such instruction. The task-analytic approach to curriculum development is explained and applied to sample social skill tasks. Particular attention is given to the need for specification of the strategic components of social tasks. (Author/CL)

A multiple probe across subjects design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of embedded instruction with three students with developmental disabilities who were enrolled in general education classrooms. Two general education teachers delivered embedded instruction to students during regularly schedule instructional activities. The skills taught…

To investigate students' self-monitoring practice and effects of educational level and task importance on self-monitoring, 510 students, varying in educational level from elementary through graduate school, reported the self-monitoring strategies they employed in three learning situations with different levels of task importance. The study…

Although the literature on language pedagogy encourages the use of pair work in the second language classroom, students sometimes seem reluctant to work in pairs, particularly on grammar-focused tasks. This study investigated the merits of pair work by comparing pair and individual work on an editing task and by analysing the nature of pair…

This article reports a study of two English for Academic Purposes (EAP) classes who used different forms of transcript of their performances on a role-play speaking task as the basis for reprocessing and improving their output. One class used transcripts produced by the learners themselves, and the other used extracts transcribed by the teacher.…

A Multi-Scaffolding Environment (MSE) is a multimedia environment reliant on authentic scaffolding. We examine the impact of the availability of multiple scaffolds on learning and cognitive load within an MSE where learners are assigned a real-world task and given access to four support tools to help them complete the task. By examining an MSE in…

One of five guidelines in the Sports Skills Instructional Program, the booklet addresses ways to teach track and field to mentally retarded persons. The approach is designed to use volunteers as instructors. An overview considers such topics as clothing, equipment, and field preparation. The long term goal of acquiring basic fundamental skills,…

The paper reviews studies on performance objectives, task analysis, and prompting and instruction sequences as they relate to the education of handicapped students. The initial section, on performance objectives, reviews the development of the Vocational Behavior Checklist and the Subsequent Independent Living Behavior Checklist. The next step in…