Disadvantaged students have difficulty adapting to conventional school programs because they do not possess the basic academic skills necessary to succeed, have a limited perception of the value of education, lack the motivation to achieve, lack self-confidence, and tend to rely on others for support. Programs that ensure the success of these…

Students at Glasgow College who were learning mathematics in the traditional lecture/tutorial situation were compared in an experimental study to those learning mathematics using a computer aided learning (CAL) tutorial. Questionnaires were given to the students to determine both their previous experience of computers, CAL, mathematics, and…

South Dakota's graduation rate in 1986-87 was above the national average: 79.7% compared to 71.1%. The dropout rate for 1990 was 4.3%. Of 180 districts, 25 with large numbers of Native Americans have a dropout rate of over 7%. Increasing the rates of graduation for Native American students will require a comprehensive, long-range program. Schools…

One teacher of English as a second language found that Gertrude Moskowitz' humanistic approach to instruction brought about significant changes in her small and diverse class. The direct results she perceived included very strong ties within the group, mutual trust and interest, values changes, and expressions of sentiment. Indirect results, those…

This report offers an overview of the work of the Institute for Research on Teaching (IRT), the relationship between research and practice, and what has been learned about improving teacher performance. Some difficulties of teacher improvement are noted, and a description is given of how IRT research findings are communicated to the profession. An…

Oral interpretation facilitates the learning processes of adolescents by making the presentation of subject matter more interesting and meaningful to them, helping them feel involved, and providing them with an opportunity to perceive literature in action. Narrative literature is a good place to begin oral interpretation activities, since…

Focusing on computers and television and their applications both on campus and for distance education, this Unesco report on the role of instructional media in the system of higher education in the USSR argues that the new technologies are capable of performing three main instructional functions within the context of any teaching-learning process:…

This report describes the results of a national survey of computer supervisors in 155 public school districts that currently own microcomputers. Data from this survey were used to examine the incentive value of a variety of administrative computer policies for encouraging more widespread participation by teachers in inservice training and use of…

Produced as the result of a leadership training course for early childhood program directors and designed to be used by directors as an independent guide, this manual is a practical resource for program directors who do not have the time or funds to obtain the specialized training needed for effective administration. Contents focus on basic…

The purpose of "Operation Challenge" developed at the Center of Excellence, North Florida Junior College, is identifying potential college students and motivating them to complete high school and enroll in post-secondary education. During its first year of operation several components were implemented: (1) the identification and…

This booklet provides specific, workable suggestions for parents in helping them create the best atmosphere they can for developing their childrens' reading. The booklet begins with general principles for establishing a home reading program, and continues with a checklist of fifty specific suggestions for parents on helping their children become…

The study described in this report had a threefold purpose: (1) to examine, over time, the development of young adults who, when in the first grade in a midwestern school system, were in the lower third of their classes; (2) to examine the effect of literacy on their educational attainment, occupational level, and achievement; and (3) to examine…

An ERIC digest considers several approaches to community study within the social studies curriculum. Material is divided into four sections. Following an introduction, "A rationale for community study" outlines skills and concepts that can be presented through community study and presents the rationale that community study can provide…

Recent research on affective variables and classroom second language learning suggests that: (1) affective variables are context-sensitive in at least two ways; (2) attitudes are contagious, and the general attitude of students can be influenced from various directions; (3) research in pragmatics, discourse analysis, and communicative functions…

Contributed by high school English teachers across the United States, the activities contained in this booklet are intended to promote the effective teaching of English and the language arts. Activities in the first section of the booklet focus on language exploration--the subtle nuances of meaning, rhythm in poetry, and the power of the…