A learning cycle consists of three phases: exploration; conceptual invention; and expansion of an idea. These phases parallel Piaget's functioning model of assimilation, disequilibrium and accomodation, and organization respectively. The learning cycle perceives students as actors rather than reactors to the environment. Inherent in that…

Arranged in three parts, this booklet provides teachers at the early childhood and primary grade levels with guidelines for using children's literature in social studies instruction. Chapter 1 discusses rationale and procedure. Separate subsections emphasize the significant role reading books can play in developing a child's self-concept,…

The effect on performance of different formats for typical mathematics story problems was studied, along with the relationship of certain learner variables. More than 1200 children in grades 3-8, including over 220 learning-disabled students, were tested and/or interviewed. Story problems were in the usual format found in textbooks, an abbreviated…

Designed for teachers and tutors, the handbook discusses setting up a cross-age tutoring program. Topics include tutor responsibilities; the role of resource teachers; tutor contracts; specific relationship-building and tutoring techniques; ideas for tutoring in handwriting; and techniques for tutoring in reading, spelling, and arithmetic. The…

In this final evaluation report, Boston's Title I Secondary Reading/ Language Arts and Math Programs for 1980-81 are discussed. In both the middle schools and high schools, students on the average met or exceeded standardized test gains at most grade levels for reading /language arts. They did not meet expectations on mastery of performance…

Although the results of minimum competency tests need to be interpreted with caution, data on the Texas Assessment of Basic Skills (TABS) for 1980-82 clearly indicate the inadequate results of remedial programs for minority students in Texas. Secondary analysis of the data shows that overall performance on exit level math and reading tests…

The chief advantage of the use of a computer in a basic reading and writing class is that it helps the instructor do more with greater ease and comfort in less time. Initial problems associated with the use of a mainframe computer for instruction were: few programs which met the needs of community college students; lack of knowledge on how to…

This report presents the results of the fourth testing cycle of the Texas Assessment of Basic Skills (TABS), a statewide basic skills test for students in grades 3 and 5 and in high school (exit level) of the Austin Independent School District (AISD). The TABS measures basic performance objectives in mathematics, reading, and writing. The general…

In a framework of cognitive theory, an exploratory study examined eye movements of learners studying print materials combining text and illustrations. Eye movement patterns were used as indicators of the cognitive strategies employed. Both design and learner variables were emphasized. Twenty-four graduate education students were randomly assigned…

This report summarizes the Assessment of Language Proficiency of Bilingual Persons (ALPBP) project research component and provides a summary of the findings of the other six components of the study. The summary of the research component includes an outline of the goals, activities, and requests for proposals. After the introduction, the following…

Designed to be used in combination with standard high school textbooks in U.S. history and government, these lessons on the U.S. Constitution can be used singly or in varying combinations and most can be completed in one or two class meetings. There are five chapters. Chapter I is an introduction for teachers. Chapter II includes lessons about the…

This study investigates two fixed parameter models for calibrating test items for an item bank under local school district control. Mathematics, reading, and language tests administered to students (Grades 7-9) provided the criterion information. Model I used calibrations from the Northwest Evaluation Association Item Bank to calibrate new items…

Stressing that reading aloud to children is the single most important way to help children get ready to read and write, this brochure offers ideas for encouraging preschoolers to experiment with writing, for motivating school-age children to write more, and for involving the whole family in writing at home. The brochure also suggests ways to…

The University of Texas at Austin conducted a validity study of the College Board Achievement Test in Russian Listening-Reading during the 1986-87 academic year. The test, a multiple-choice test with audio-taped and reading portions, was administered to 298 students in 22 sections of 8 courses in Russian. The purpose was to revalidate the test as…

A discussion of the use of word processing for the instruction of English as a Second Language (ESL) is presented in two parts. The first addresses the uses of the technology in teaching language skills, including writing, vocabulary, grammatical competence, reading skills, and oral skills. Related literature is reviewed and specific examples of…