Two former teachers of French as a foreign language reflect on their experiences in that role and more recently as French native language instructors at the same level, focusing on differences in audience, objectives, texts, and methods of instruction and student evaluation. (MSE)

Reviews data on (1) the adequacy and allocation of American educational resources; (2) students' achievement compared to foreign students today and American students in the past; (3) the impact of open versus traditional schools; and (4) public assessment of current education. Indicates recent declines in effort, achievement, attitudes, and…

A comparison of resident and faculty teaching behaviors found that predominant overall behaviors were responding to student questions and addressing psychosocial and problem-solving issues. Residents spent more time at the bedside and saw more patients in their sessions. The roles are seen as complementary and not duplicative. (Author/MSE)

The communicative method of language instruction is compared with other, generalized methods currently used, in terms of content, the variety of forms taught to express the same thought, oral and written language, emphasis on form versus message content, the nonverbal element, and the teaching of language context. (MSE)

Substantially self-paced programed learning at Sheffield City Polytechnic Metallurgy Department was found to be better than conventional lectures, provided that new topic areas covered were relatively small, as demonstrated by using inexpensive, simple instructional materials. (Author/JN)

Results of three studies comparing lecture/discussion to a Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) suggest that students perform better using PSI. (SK)

This article describes a meta-analysis of 75 comparative studies of an innovative method of college teaching, Keller's personalized system of instruction (PSI). The analysis establishes that PSI generally produces superior student achievement, less variation in achievement, and higher student ratings in college courses. (Author)

Generally speaking, educational books and journals have continued to support innovations, such as individualized instruction and non-punitive grading, while the nation's news media, television programs and the public itself appear to be disenchanted with the results of the educational establishment's emphasis on affective rather than cognitive…

While the practice of students evaluating their instructors has become common in many institutions of higher learning, and properly so, care should be taken that instructors who use both objective and subjective formats in their classroom testing not be disadvantaged as a result of this. (Author)

The differential effects of computer-assisted instruction for high-achieving and low-achieving students were examined for seven elementary students of varied background. Higher-achieving students were more able to adjust to the requirements of computer work and to derive benefit from it than were lower-achieving students. Implications for teaching…

The traditional approach toward teaching spelling was compared with a copy, cover, and compare approach for 9 special education (learning-disabled) students in grades 4, 5, and 6. Spelling performance improved in the copy, cover, compare condition; and students preferred this approach. (SLD)

Compares a structured phonics method with a child-centered language experience approach to teach beginning reading in kindergarten. Finds no difference in achievement between the two groups. Finds that children evidenced more motivation and social interaction related to language activities in the language experience approach. (KEH)

Compares preferred learning styles of Anglo and Hispanic college students. Finds no significant differences in learning style preferences. Argues that while no particular teaching methods are especially appropriate for Hispanics, teachers should be aware of the mixture of learning styles and use a variety of teaching methods. (RS)

Briefly describes the differences between specialized foreign language schools and ordinary general education schools in the Soviet Union. The changes currently taking place in the organization of English language teaching in schools in the Soviet Union are discussed. (22 references) (Author/CB)

A study investigated whether Biglan clusters of academic disciplines (hard/soft, pure/applied, life/nonlife) could be used to explain disciplinary differences in college student ratings of instruction. It was found that Biglan clusters do not explain the differences, many disciplines still emphasize knowledge acquisition over higher-order skills,…