Gifted underachievers (n=108) were compared to gifted high achievers (n=96). All children had Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - Revised (WISC-R) IQ scores of 130 or greater, but underachievers were performing at or below the 50th percentile in at least one major area of achievement, whereas high achievers were at the 96th percentile or…

The role of learning strategies in independent learning, particularly second language learning, is discussed. It is argued that "learning to learn" is a necessary, although not sufficient, condition for independent learning. It is also not innate, but must be taught. The learner must learn to define his objectives, accomplish them, evaluate…

This proceedings contains summaries of 24 conference papers focusing on new directions in gifted education. Each paper's summary is about four pages in length. Papers have the following titles and authors: "Supporting Giftedness in Girls in the Classroom" (Julia Ellis); "A Community of Learners in ECS" (Anne Green);…

This study examined whether the inquiry-based problem solving model supports sustained exploration of a multimedia database. This model contains five steps: (1) analyze the discrepant event from which a problem question is generated; (2) generate questions; (3) gather data; (4) analyze information; and (5) evaluate self. A group of 24 seventh…

It was hypothesized that a visual strategy that incorporates a humorous theme and cartoons with humorous comments relevant to the content helps motivate students to focus on and retain computer-based instructional material. An experiment to assess this hypothesis was undertaken with 43 college students who received a humorous presentation on…

This brochure discusses parents' involvement in their children's education. It is maintained that parent involvement in education is one of the most promising movements to have come out of the school reforms of the 1980s. Recent history of parent involvement in American schools; several American educators' ideas about parent involvement; and…

This paper examines the views of economic and higher education leaders concerning the potential socio-economic importance to Americans of establishing continuing links between communities, colleges, and universities, and international students and alumni. A literature review is presented that examines: (1) the past relationship and importance of…

A common problem for teachers and students is that the teacher's control of the communication in the classroom limits the students' use of their language to learn. Group learning, an alternative to the traditional teacher-led classroom structure, can enhance the students' opportunity to use their language. An understanding of the following three…

In a University English Education program, 14 graduate students between the ages of 37 and 50 were asked to talk about the personal, social, academic, and professional advantages and disadvantages of being older graduate students. Disadvantages included financial problems, social isolation, irrelevant course content, and supervision of their…

This paper explores a teacher's perspective of what successful science instruction is and how these perspectives influence classroom instruction. The data sources for this study include 35 classroom observations and approximately 25 hours of interviews collected over a period of 2 years of a single high school chemistry teacher. During class,…

Sample materials drawn from the Allegheny Conference Education Fund's small grants for teachers program in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania are provided. The program is described as one which provides small grants (approximately $500) to help teachers explore new techniques and develop innovative educational projects. Materials used to publicize the…

This guide offers suggestions for cooperation between the school or child care center and the home, and provides guidance to parents for their participation in centers and schools. It describes the necessary steps in planning for varied parent involvement and includes examples of parent involvement activities. Topics addressed in planning the…

Music awakens interest during language learning, and use of song can stimulate students to greater oral participation. Songs are universally enjoyed, break the day's monotony, and make repetition enjoyable. They also allow linguistic exercise in a noncompetitive situation and offer a more authentic linguistic experience than most classroom…

To investigate teachers' parent involvement practices and their effect on children, a study of teachers and parents of students in the first, third, and fifth grades was conducted in 82 elementary schools across l6 school districts in Maryland. A total of 36 teachers who strongly emphasized parent involvement in home activities and 46 teachers who…

Utilizing a behavioral approach to classroom management, this book provides effective methods for preventing and remediating student misbehaviors. These tested and proven management strategies are highlighted with actual case studies of behavior problems involving average and exceptional students from elementary and secondary settings. Teacher,…