Summarizes the following differences between adult learners and more "traditional" college age students: (1) chronology; (2) developmental progression; (3) motivation; (4) learning style; and (5) intellectual development. Discusses the debate concerning general education. Discusses the necessity of accommodating the needs of the students and ways…

This description of the individualized, competency-based learning philosophy at Holland College, Canada, focuses on the impact of computer technology on various college functions. Topics discussed include the STEP (self-training and evaluation process) system, general administration, program development, staff development, library database and…

Explains uses of computer hardware when it's no longer needed to teach computer literacy. Describes a mini-lab pilot project which consists of several computers mounted on carts used similarly as audiovisual equipment. Lists advantages, disadvantages, and percentages of time used for instruction, interfacing, word processing, graphing, and…

Compared computer-assisted behavioral health counseling intervention for high school students (N=45) with a health tip educational intervention (N=17) and an assessment only group (N=15). Found significant dietary improvement among computer-assisted counseling group and lesser improvement among two control groups. (Author/CM)

Describes the services in reading, evaluation, and counseling offered at the Lane Reading and Counseling Center, including preparation programs for standardized tests, remedial instruction, and enrichment programs. Emphasizes that reading is a skill and that skills can be learned. (RS)

Results of a study of 117 eighth-grade math students suggest: mastery-based methods were more effective than non-mastery methods in improving lesson achievement; computer-based and traditional delivery systems are of greatest value when complementing each other; and student attitudes were only nominally affected by various treatments. (IAH)

This article describes the Pathfinder Project, an Arizona project which serves adjudicated youth in an alternative placement based on a "Success School" model of the school as a learning organization with high emphasis on community service, individual goals, work-study, coaching for success, and group counseling. (DB)

Discusses the merit in having every English-as-a-Second-Language learner speak during every session to practice English as opposed to the value of allowing a period of silence until the student is ready to speak. It is crucial to provide a stimulus for meaningful interaction and to follow up with opportunities for each learner to use an individual…

National trends and issues that concern gifted education are considered, focusing on the relationships among regular education, early childhood education, and education of young children who are gifted. Specific topics include: whole language and emergent literacy, whole group instruction and flexible grouping, cooperative learning, and…

A teacher provides a set of key components used by her school district to aid teachers and administrators in developing Individual Educational Plans (IEP) for handicapped students. (ZWH)

A case study examines the experience of a middle school mandated to provide differentiated instruction for academically diverse learners and considers factors affecting movement toward differentiated classrooms. Clarity in defining the concept is discussed, along with administrative barriers, issues related to changing expectations, and need for…

Describes a Dutch study of the daily evaluation procedures and instructional decisions of 50 regular and special education teachers over six weeks. Teachers evaluated virtually all the tasks assigned to students, most informally, but did not deviate from their instructional plans on the basis of evaluation results. (DMM)

The Javits 7+ Gifted and Talented Program (Community School District 18, Brooklyn, New York) was designed to provide an opportunity for socioeconomically disadvantaged children to receive intensive school-based activities that would prepare them for gifted education programs. Teachers assessed students using Howard Gardner's concept of multiple…

Programs designed to enable Australian aborigines who had not successfully completed high school to qualify for science- and mathematics-related courses in higher education emphasize diagnostic testing, individualized instruction, short-term goals, and learner independence. Tutors have instructional, management, and support roles. Some early…

Although inclusiveness is the U.S. school system's strongest feature, more is seldom better. This article recommends raising standards and expectations, focusing on outcomes, stressing effort over ability and teacher competence over seniority, individualizing instruction, breaking the age/grade link, expanding year-round learning and early…