The findings of several tests are used to describe some learning disabilities and patterns common in lower-class Puerto Rican and Negro children. In particular, perceptual dysfunction is pointed to as a major causal factor in the reading problems of the disadvantaged. In one urban slum school, 40 percent of first graders showed serious dysfunction…

Papers on the slow learner treat physical defects and learning abilities, social and economic background as an obstacle to learning, the causes of dropouts and lapses in study, and the limitations and potential of the ungifted. The contribution interest in the slow learner has made to education is discussed; also discussed are problems of the…

Jim Donovan conducts a child-centered rather than program-centered classroom. His fifth graders are often problem children but his techniques are useful for all children. He tries to help students develop respect for themselves and others, expand their interest in life, overcome emotional and learning problems, clarify values, and develop positive…

This study explores the hypothesis that the auditory discrimination abilities of disadvantaged Negro children can be improved significantly through an appropriate auditory perception training program. (AG)

Kindergarten age children were screened at pre-registration through extensive diagnostic procedures for placement in a class designed for normal children with developmental delays staffed by a Special Education teacher and language therapist. Instruction was prescriptive and individualized. Of the twelve children who were high risk failures at the…

It is suggested that the static model of language which is prerequisite for contrastive analysis is inadequate in pinpointing potential difficulties in second language learning. The student learning graphemic-phonetic correspondences encounters two types of difficulties not exposed by contrastive analysis: dialectal difficulties and reading…

This paper describes two methods of EST (English for Science and Technology) paragraph development: rhetorical process development and rhetorical function-shift development. A series of hypotheses set up to account for explicit and implicit information in some EST function-shift paragraphs that students have had difficulty learning to understand…

Results of a British survey of the administrations of six universities and six public colleges, employers, and employees who were part-time students are reported and discussed. The survey assessed the perceptions of those groups concerning problems in the instruction and learning of part-time students. (MSE)

Noting that thousands of young children with the capacity to experience school success do not because they are unprepared for school learning activities, have experienced physical or emotional setbacks that cause them to be at risk for early learning failure, have never experienced limits on their behavior, or have mild sensory or motor deficits,…

This digest describes ways in which professionals who work with students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds can create an educational climate that accepts and respects the language and culture of its students and empowers them to feel confident enough to risk getting involved in the learning process. Methods of creating such an…

Soviet literature on children with cerebral palsy is concerned with diagnosis and assessment of cognitive functions as well as with education and training. (Author)

Illustrates how computers can assist teachers in preventing impulsivity and foster the cognitive and metacognitive development of students. Discusses theoretical aspects of impulsivity and learning difficulties; software for improving self-regulated learning, in particular the VISPRO (Visualizing Processes) project; and teacher education needs,…

Reports on a study of the impact of metacognition among 10 middle school-aged British students with learning difficulties. Finds that student awareness and subsequent control over thought processes were enhanced through self-reporting and self-appraisal. Examines this kind of reflection on enhanced learning capabilities and self-esteem. (CFR)

A total of 98 elementary school teachers described their strategies for dealing with problem students and the ways in which they would handle incidents presented in 2 vignettes. Teachers usually reported the same strategies but differed in the coherence and elaboration with which they articulated the strategies. (MDM)

Mathematics curriculum and instruction for elementary students with learning and behavior problems are addressed. The article considers (1) best practices in assessment of both product and process to identify instructional needs; (2) determining an appropriate curriculum; and (3) designing an instructional program based on best practices.…