Multimedia computer programs that can be produced in a few hours by faculty or language laboratory staff could change the way colleges teach foreign languages. New tools allow exercises to be custom tailored to suit student interests and skill levels and to use authentic texts in new ways. Initial response by faculty users has been enthusiastic.…

Defines guided composition as composing music with as many prescribed parameters as a young composer needs. Although the melody should never be proscribed, instructional "controls" can be built into the rhythm, length (and repeats), scale, and clef. Includes excerpts from three K-4 compositions using this technique. (MJP)

Discusses how postmodernism applies to Montessori practices and to a specific conflict resolution dilemma. Describes educational practices that have been changed or rethought at one school as a result of research or examination of their relevance to the postmodern world. Asserts that if children are to become critical thinkers, tolerant of…

Explores implications of Vygotskian developmental model for teaching number concepts to children with communication difficulties. Postulates these children develop individualized learning strategies that reflect the context of their condition. Discusses a study involving number conservation among children with communication difficulties. Advocates…

High school academies are three-year programs offering educationally disadvantaged students an integrated academic and vocational education, extensive counseling and peer support, and employment opportunities. These models to combat dropping out and facilitate transition from school to work are joint efforts of school districts, local businesses,…

MediaMatrix, a new, computerized instruction, authoring system, enables instructional developers to build adaptive programmed instruction and adaptive testing systems. Instructional development can focus simultaneously on systematic improvement of comprehension and problem-solving skills while providing for adaptive content presentations that…

Examines the role of mathematics in the Montessori curriculum. Suggests three areas important to the strengthening of prenumber concepts: logical quantification (one-to-one matching); logical classification (including open-ended sorting); and recognition, continuation, and creation of patterns. Suggests activities that establish foundations for…

Discusses individualized teaching or focusing on each child's individual learning needs. Presents a brief history of individualized teaching from Socrates to Dewey. Suggests that, although individualized teaching is the most beneficial kind of instruction, time, resources, and experience show it to be nearly nonexistent in the classroom. Describes…

Discusses methods of improving the performance of integrated learning systems (ILSs). Topics addressed include the theoretical basis of ILSs; appropriate level of instruction; academic learning time; motivation; quality of instruction; a study of elementary students' use of ILSs; individualized and homogeneous group activities; mixed-ability…

Uses shoeboxes to set up science kits to supplement specific areas of the science curriculum. Each kit contains a set of material and instructions for a single activity. The activity is intended as an individualized experience that is related to a current topic of study or that reinforces a recent topic. Details for making six sample shoeboxes are…

This article discusses the integration of computers into effective instruction in special education. In search of software appropriate to the student's stage of learning, implementations are addressed in terms of warm-up, introductory activity, guided practice, independent practice, and assessment. Criteria for selection are explained and several…

Describes multimedia, computer-based interactive learning systems that support various forms of individualized study. Highlights include design models; user interfaces; design guidelines; media utilization paradigms, including hypermedia and learner-controlled models; metaphors and myths; authoring tools; optical media; workstations; four case…

Lists 20 basic instructional principles for increasing academic success of at-risk learners, including maintaining high expectations, administering praise, using learning technologies, teaching learning strategies, accommodating learning styles, teaching vocabulary directly, establishing an experiential base for learning, encouraging cooperative…

Although research increasingly reports benefits for students attending small schools, curriculum diversity is usually a concern for these schools. This paper describes a successful concurrent program involving a small high school in rural Texas and a nearby community college that stresses individualized instruction and compliance with state…

Addresses issues related to offering digital distance education alternatives based on experiences at Dowling College (NY). Topics include the marketplace; use of the World Wide Web; faculty, student, and administrator role changes; copyright issues; faculty workload; implementation issues; K-12 higher education partnerships; individualized…