Lesson designs that have weak closure rob students of the most important part of the lesson--the time when they have the opportunity to think about and discuss what they have learned. This is the time in the lesson when students reflections is necessary for internalization of the skills covered. At the end of a lesson, a short concentrated time…

This study explored the enhancement of comprehension of expository text by three specific types of embedded explication--etymological, causal, and analogical--together with momentum effects from sequencing. Four factors were examined: (1) the experimental effects of presenting the section of the script containing explications of new terms before…

This study examined influences upon experienced teachers' course planning. Seven teachers were each intensively interviewed four times about their planning for courses they had never before taught; the interviews took place before, after, and twice during the semester of the "new" course in question. Findings were classified into three categories…

The Far West Laboratory used a five-step instructional systems design (ISD) model to develop a nationwide training and educational curriculum and delivery system for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Stages of the model involved defining a comprehensive set of objectives, defining a priority curriculum, assigning training strategies,…

Continued advances in computerized training technology allow for a better link between instruction and evaluation. The use of computer-controlled audio and video feedback takes the automation of a mastery learning approach with its frequent shifts between instruction and testing a step further and begins to blur the distinction between training…

This report discusses a workshop conducted by the library of San Jose State University to instruct eight students with learning disabilities (SLD) in the use of CD-ROM databases. The workshop contributors believed that CD-ROM databases could simplify research paper and homework assignments for such students. The 5-month workshop sought not only to…

In 1984, the University of Minnesota's College of Education and Wilson Learning Corporation created the Alliance for Learning to support a variety of research projects focused on developing new areas of knowledge about adult learning and new technologies for delivering training and education. This paper describes an Alliance project exploring the…

The traditional role of the school librarian encompassed collection development, reading guidance and literature promotion, and reference. Over time these functions have expanded and participation in carrying out functions has become more active. For instance, the teaching role of the library media specialist is a dramatic and far-reaching…

A content analysis was performed to determine the trends and issues in educational technology for the period from October 1, 1987 through September 30, 1988. Sources for the analysis included five leading professional journals in educational technology, papers given at annual conventions of three professional associations, dissertations from five…

This report summarizes a series of eight research studies related to the use of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) with mildly handicapped students at the junior high or high school level. Through videodisc and CAI the studies isolated the effects of the following design variables: (1) review cycles; (2) size of teaching sets; (3) explicit…

A survey was conducted to seek evidence of variation in student performance based on age, gender, graduate major, and instructional modality--i.e., traditional on-campus instruction, non-interactive videotape delivery, and interactive delivery systems complemented with real-time audio feedback. Responses were received from 8 out of 50 academic…

A survey of 50 academic institutions was designed to seek evidence of variation in student performance based on age, gender, graduate major, and instructional modality--i.e., traditional on-campus instruction, non-interactive videotape delivery, and interactive delivery systems complemented with real-time audio feedback. Responses were received…

This position paper discusses: (1) the definition, rationale, and goals for social studies in the early childhood and elementary years; (2) developmental characteristics that should be considered in the planning of a social studies program; (3) basic research on elementary social studies; (4) the status of social studies in the elementary school;…

Conducted as part of a practicum to be completed at the Champaign (Illinois) Public Library and Information Center, this study was designed to view the availability of appropriate bibliographic instruction for adults who are mentally retarded that will enhance both their ability to use library resources and equipment, and their desire to do so.…

Intended for teachers in Tasminia, this book focuses on the school setting as a place that supports children as language users. The booklet suggests that when setting out to develop a language program teachers need a knowledge of the relationship between child development and language acquisition; an understanding of how the organization of the…