A simulation study with 96 students at 3 schools of fashion design demonstrated that more creative output was obtained from subjects who had more choice in selecting problems on which to work; took more time to perform the task; had more training; expressed positive feelings about their work; and attended the school with the best reputation. (DB)

Results of this study, involving an adolescent with learning and behavior problems, indicated that self-monitoring can be successfully used in special education settings and then implemented with little effort in mainstream classes to improve on-task behavior and academic performance. (Author/JDD)

Performance data on three children with moderate to severe developmental disabilities, observed in both inclusive integrated and self-contained segregated kindergarten settings, support the conclusion that individual child and setting characteristics transcend administrative model in determining engagement levels across social and academic…

Discusses fluency-based instruction based on Skinner's research on response rate measures and Precision Teaching. Topics addressed include learning outcomes associated with fluency; fluency and overlearning; implications for instructional design; examples of fluency-based education and training; and strategies for marketing fluency-based…

The Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education assert that good practice (1) encourages student-faculty contact; (2) encourages cooperation among students; (3) encourages active learning; (4) gives prompt feedback; (5) emphasizes time on task; (6) communicates high expectations; and (7) respects diverse talents and ways of…

Examines factors that affect the successful implementation of integrated learning systems (ILSs). Empirical studies of ILSs are discussed; implementation models are considered; and factors that facilitate or hinder implementation are described, including student time on the system, teacher involvement, integration with the classroom curriculum,…

Discusses the change in teachers' roles with integrated learning systems (ILSs) from the role of deliverer of instruction to manager of instruction. Topics addressed include scheduling; assigning lessons; motivating students; evaluation of task performance; the communication process; time equity; merging the ILS with the classroom curriculum; and…

Discussion of hypertext structures focuses on three studies of preservice teachers that assessed the effects of different methods of explicitly mapping expert knowledge structures onto hypertext on the acquisition of structural knowledge. Topics addressed include time on task, semantic networking, cognitive limitations of browsing behavior, and…

Suggests methods of effective teaching that help the beginning teacher organize the classroom and develop relationships with other teachers and students. Suggestions include communicating with teachers, long-range lesson planning, information cards for students, and alphabetical seating charts. (MDH)

This study found that a procedure involving choral responding and self-assessment accompanied by contingent praise may be an effective tool for teaching in-class transition skills to preschoolers with developmental delays. Active engagement sharply increased, with collateral decreases in competing behavior and levels of teacher prompting of target…

Reviews reports from several professional organizations on recommendations about education for participatory citizenship. Reports on a study of 3,000 teachers in grades 1-3 from 7 midwestern states on the characteristics of social studies programs. Recommends four approaches to foster developmental social studies instruction. (CFR)

In evaluating remedial reading programs, 10 guiding principles should be observed. Programs should educate teachers, increase time on task, provide taped books, transfer new skills to children's textbooks, test appropriately, employ video and telecommunications technologies, provide feedback, talk to parents, encourage children to take learning…

Examines how teachers allocate instructional time in reading classes. Indicates that teachers used 34% of time in reading and responding; 24.89% in listening and discussing; 8.36% waiting; 20.28% completing skill development; 7.52% in telling, writing, and narrating; 3.47% in other activities. Notes that the recommendation that time spent reading…

Discusses the effectiveness of computer mediated communication (CMC) in higher education. Highlights include a review of pertinent literature; factors associated with successful CMC resources; activity theory; helping users establish a shared purpose; methodological problems; evaluation methods; a conferencing system; and the patterns and content…

This article describes a multistep method for identifying effective teacher-developed instructional procedures and translating them for wide-scale use. The method employs both objective and naturalistic assessments of academic gain and engagement and was used to identify effective practices of teachers of 59 fourth- and fifth-grade students with…