The effects of a visual motor training program that attempts to teach 5-year-olds the underlying cognitive structures used in copying geometric designs are assessed. The Design Board Program teaches the child a systematic method for analyzing complex two-dimensional graphic patterns. It is based on the theory that accurate replication of geometric…

Four interrelated questions in this paper provide a framework for examining the rationale of a model for developing a political laboratory which would fulfill meaningful objectives for civics and government instruction. The first question, why make the school the focus of the laboratory, offers reasons for preferring the school over the classroom…

A method for improving the vocabulary development of low-income children was studied. The method involved the used of specially devised toy situations as a medium of teacher-student communication. Two representative Toy-Talk Contexts were developed. Twenty-four children attending kindergarten at an inner-city school were the subjects in the study,…

A course in introduction to the conducting of music groups of voices or instruments is presented. The approach used is a laboratory approach in which pupils will develop skills in score reading, physical gestures, rehearsal techniques, transpositions, voice and instrument ranges. Course objectives include: (1) The pupil will identify all…

Fourteen strategies a hard-of-hearing mother uses while reading a book with her hard-of-hearing preschool son are observed. These strategies are grouped in four large categories: (1) confirmation of child's understanding; (2) focusing attention on the book and its content; (3) specific language input; (4) concept development. (Author/LMO)

The ACHIEVE Program, an academic support system for learning-disabled college students at Southern Illinois University, uses video technology to present information in a way that is more concrete, segmented, and inferential than traditional modes of instruction. ACHIEVE is used to improve academic skills in reading, writing, and social skills.…

This study investigated the effectiveness of computer simulations for enhancing the problem solving skills of high school students. Summaries of three related studies are presented. Results indicate that the computerized simulations enabled students to master the objectives of a biology course as effectively as traditional methods. (ML)

Many severely disabled individuals who rely on augmentative and alternative communication systems experience difficulties using newly acquired communication skills in settings different from those introduced in the instructional context and with different conversational partners. Methods of promoting functional communication skills are addressed,…

Learning-disabled students deficient in classification and categorization require specific instruction in these skills. Use of a classification/categorization instructional model improved the questioning strategies of 60 learning-disabled students, aged 10 to 12. The use of similar models is discussed as a basis for instruction in science, social…

An Alabama school district implemented a thinking skills instruction program called Talents Unlimited through inservice education. Both workshop ratings by teachers and pretest-posttest scores by middle school and high school students suggested that Talents Unlimited can change teachers' understandings about higher order thinking skills and…

Presents a remedial program model which helps to alleviate students' diagnosed skill deficits using activities and materials directly connected to their content courses. (ARH)

Teaching methods are presented to help students in developing decision-making/problem-solving skills, positive self-image, positive work attitudes, human relations skills, communication skills, ability to work in a group, and organization of ideas and tasks. The author also discusses providing an appropriate classroom environment. (CT)

Reviews research in the areas of reading standards and tests, reading development, dyslexia and specific reading retardation, and reading materials and interests. (FL)

A study was conducted to assess effectiveness of a computer simulation which exposed students to three levels of real-life research situations as laboratory experience accompanying graduate level research design course. Simulation effects on achievement, perceived research competence, interest in research, and effects of differing amounts of…

Addressing major themes of the commission's "Open Letter to the American People," this article discusses reading and writing skills development, and the cognitive skills involved in these processes. An effective teaching method, the Language Experience Approach based on aural/oral language with reading and writing combined, is detailed. (MBR)