Examines whether the characteristic reading speed impairment of German dyslexic children resulted from a general skill-automatization deficit or a phonological deficit. Tests a dyslexic and nondyslexic group of boys in grade 2. Concludes that difficulties in learning to read are due phonological deficit and not a general skill-automatization…

Addresses the problems resulting from the frequent co-occurrence of dyslexia and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. The importance of identifying comorbidity before planning and implementing educational programs is stressed and implications for diagnosis and intervention are drawn. (DB)

School study teams' use of results from traditional psychoeducational measures in determining eligibility for special education is examined. Three groups of students were studied: (1) learning disabled (N=47); (2) mildly mentally retarded (N=43); (3) low achievers (N=60). Relatively low agreement was found between eligibility and research…

This study compared the stress, social support, and adjustment of 40 middle school students with learning disabilities or mild mental retardation and 396 general education students without learning problems. The students with learning problems experienced more stress, less peer support, greater adult support, and poorer adjustment, than those…

An independent school in Encino, California, studied the concept of neoplasticity (lifelong brain reorganization processes) and started using more technology in classrooms. Brain-based programs require a rich learning environment, thematic instruction, integrated curricula, musical stimulation, multiple intelligences, and multisensory specialized…

At a new charter school serving predominantly defiant underachievers and special-needs students, a psychology teacher was challenged to implement founders' brain-based principles. She succeeded by establishing a climate of relaxed alertness, immersing students in meaningful experiences, and guiding them in processing their experiences. (MLH)

Identifies 11 types of graduate student difficulties and suggests methods to help alleviate them. Difficulties include language barriers, cultural barriers, emotional barriers, lack of commitment, and lack of ability. Also describes certain personality traits that may impede achievement. (AIM)

In this article, we describe the results of a study of the pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) of preservice chemistry teachers in the context of a postgraduate teacher education program. A group of preservice teachers (n = 12) took part in an experimental introductory course module about the use of particle models to help secondary school…

The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the potential for computer-assisted instruction (CAI) to enhance number combination skill among children with concurrent risk for math disability and reading disability. A secondary purpose was to examine the effects of CAI on spelling. At-risk students were assigned randomly to math or spelling CAI,…

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) was reauthorized by the U.S. Congress in 2004, yet ongoing regulatory efforts are required to determine its operationalization and implementation. Of particular concern to school psychologists and others involved in the educational process are the guidelines for identification of…

This study explores general-chemistry instructors' awareness of and ability to identify and address common student learning obstacles in chemical equilibrium. Reported instructor strategies directed at remediating student alternate conceptions were investigated and compared with successful, literature-based conceptual change methods. Fifty-two…

Language learners' own intelligence, ability to concentrate, perseverance, cultural identity, high expectations, and organizational skills all play an important role in determining the ease with which students learn English while continuing to develop their first language. To accomplish the amazing task of acquiring a new language and culture,…

This study investigated the most strongly endorsed problems for a group of affluent suburban girls (n = 58) and boys (n = 148), between ages 13 to 18, who were referred for educational counselling in the United States. Considerable overlap existed for male and female adolescents with regard to their most frequently reported problems, with boys and…

Background: In this study, psychosocial functioning of different groups of young children with learning problems was investigated using a diverse set of psychosocial variables (including behaviour problems, academic motivation, social preference, and self-concept). Methods: For this purpose, children with low academic achievement, with a specific…

The learning difficulties for new entrant chemistry students from a multi-national, regional, tertiary education institution in the South Pacific were investigated using a purpose-designed diagnostic instrument. The instrument contained 25 items distributed across three themes: scientific reasoning, numeracy and scientific language literacy. The…