Students will combine reading in the detective fiction genre with expository writing. Embedded in this unit are reading and writing skills, such as defining, editing, explaining, illustrating, justifying, revising, supporting, and validating. During fifteen 40-minute lessons, grade 6-8 students will: recognize a form of literature according to its…

This user's manual and facilitator's guide is intended for use with an accompanying interactive CD-ROM to provide a complete training program in conducting functional behavioral assessments (FBAs) as required under the 1997 reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Chapter 1 provides general information for users, such as…

This paper focuses on the difficulties of learners of Japanese as a second language from non-kanji backgrounds and the special difficulties they encounter in trying to learn the kanji writing system. It is asserted that most teachers of Japanese as a second language do not spend enough time on kanji teaching, with the students typically forced to…

The information in this bulletin was secured with the help of the State departments of education in locating the schools, and then through direct correspondence with the schools themselves or from catalogs or supplementary material furnished by them. The schools included range from those of elementary grade giving a few fundamental industrial…

This article describes two techniques for using debate as an instructional method with undergraduate and graduate students in a health occupations teacher education program. Faculty and students involved with the debate process enjoy the debate method and find it encourages independent study, group discussion, and leadership development. (Author)

Distance teaching is defined. Education is seen as a learning process on the part of the student rather than an instructional process of the teacher. The use of a study center is seen as a stepping stone from traditional group learning to nontraditional individual or group learning. (MLW)

Overviews the use of the Internet in second-language instruction with special attention given to learning, teaching, research, and assessing and using the Net. (77 references) (CK)

Types of faculty development efforts are examined, including three categories: individual initiatives (reflection, teaching scripts, self-directed learning); formal programs (mentors, teaching rounds, workshops, advanced education, sabbaticals); and organizational change efforts. Programs at the Southern College of Optometry are highlighted. (MSE)

Describes a Rand Afrikaans University (South Africa) program to prepare learners for lifelong, self-directed learning. Components include reduced classroom contact, increased independent study, use of a modular study guide, optimum student participation, and continuous evaluation. Focuses on the seven-year process of transforming the project into…

Interviews with 13 creative Ontario high school seniors examined school conditions that fostered creativity. Extracurricular activities and sports provided opportunities to display creativity not found in regular school routines. Others' ideas often sparked creativity. Classrooms, assignments, and teachers that encouraged exploration, hands-on…

Describes the National History Day Program which was instituted to give secondary students a chance to display their research and analytic skills in the field of history for which they could receive awards or scholarships. Explains the process for participating. (KO)

Discusses the need to create a learning environment in the computer lab that encourages students to "dabble." Benefits include increased student motivation, help for special needs students, and a decrease in truancy. Presents answers to possible objections to this form of student-directed learning and provides tips for running a lab efficiently.…

Effects of self-monitoring alone and in combination with external contingent rewards on sight word acquisition were compared across two groups of four learning-disabled elementary students. Both treatments were found to increase sight word vocabulary, but contingent reward did not enhance the reactivity of self-monitoring for most students.…

Fifty middle-grade students conducted science experiments either as members of small groups taught skills of self-directed critical thinking, or as members of a teacher-directed class, or as members of a control group. Experimental students scored highest on tests of relevant science content. The first group outperformed the others when…

A British master's program in management that is computer-based and emphasizes cooperative learning is described. Guiding principles include participant choice of learning content and direction; personal responsibility for learning; integration of professional experience with new knowledge; student professional development; and shared learning.…