The purpose of this presentation was to interpret the results of two large-scale assessments of textbook usage in light of criticism that textbooks are ineffective teaching/learning tools. One assessment occurred as a follow-up to a Schools and Staffing Survey involving 3,994 classroom teachers, who were asked about their classroom practices in…

One salient factor of increasing interest in distance education is advancement in information and communications technologies (ICTs). In particular, digital and networked technologies have had a wide range of effects on the educational materials, practices, and institutions involved in education, notably by improving time-and cost-efficient…

This document reports on a workshop on emergent literacy in early childhood held in Fiji. The workshop was sponsored by UNICEF and the Fiji Ministry of Education. The course objectives were to: (1) review education philosophies and methodologies currently influencing early childhood education in Fiji; (2) gain extended knowledge on language…

An evaluation of six teaching methods revealed that the most effective method of teaching career information appeared to be the use of an Audiscan projector, a teaching plan, and an inservice visit by a subject matter specialist. (SB)

The author reviews research on the efficacy of programs designed to help teachers educate their pupils about the disabled children being mainstreamed. Suggestions are offered for creating a program about differences, which should result in producing positive attitudes toward the disabled. (SB)

Describes and gives results of two studies conducted to determine what effects humanistic activities in teaching a foreign language have on attitudes, cohesiveness, and self-concept of foreign language students. (BK)

Maynard Mack, Emeritus Sterling Professor of English at Yale, discusses his pioneering work with the oral interpretation of literature in the graduate and undergraduate English classroom, making the point that such oral techniques need not be limited to the drama or speech departments. (Author/SJL)

Results of an experimental study to compare telelecture with traditional lecture methods in a teacher education program. (Editor/TA)

Describes Supplemental Instruction (SI), an enrichment program offered for high-risk courses to prevent attrition and low grades. Presents results from a study to determine the effectiveness of SI in an introductory psychology course over five semesters. Indicates that students who participated in SI tended to achieve higher course grades. (AJL)

The facilitative effect of incorporating echolalia on teaching receptive naming of Chinese characters to four Hong Kong children (ages 8-10) with autism was assessed. Results from two experiments indicated echolalia was the active component contributing to the successful acquisition and maintenance of receptive naming of Chinese characters.…

Interviews Katherine McNeil, a special education teacher and behavioral specialist for the Northwood JAG ("Just Achieving Greatness") Program for middle school students with severe behavioral disorders. Notes the JAG website provides an overview of this successful program, samples of student work, rubrics, and resources for teachers. Outlines how…

Presents the results of a 1985 statewide assessment of the status of environmental science in Texas school districts. Characterized results in terms of grade level, course, teaching materials, techniques, curriculum emphases, implementation difficulties and needed assistance. Discusses implications for inservice programs, teaching practices, and…

The article examines benefits and methods of evaluating short inservice training courses in special educational needs through a description of Project Impact, a British government funded project. A vignette of changed practice by two teachers as a result of a short counseling course is offered. (DB)

Evaluates the results of an experiment with comprehensive project-organized and problem-based engineering education at Aalborg University that has lasted for 20 years. Several independent evaluations show that the graduates are more readily adaptable, with strong qualities in the field of problem-solving, cooperation, communication, and…