The taxonomy developed by J. Klecan-Aker et al. to investigate the use of various speech acts in response to questions during a structured picture-description task was evaluated. Results indicated that the taxonomy was sufficient to handle the responses of a group of 12 language-impaired children, aged 7-11. (JDD)

The social cognitive conception of self-regulated learning presented here involves a triadic analysis of component processes and an assumption of reciprocal causality among personal, behavioral, and environmental triadic influences. Central roles for academic self-efficacy beliefs and three self-regulatory processes (self-observation,…

Describes kindergartners' responses to a visit to an old, inner-city cemetery. The visit acquainted children in early childhood programs with the concepts of death, burial, and the rituals related to them. (RJC)

Discusses the results of a survey designed to explore the reactions of junior high school students to Channel One. A survey was administered to two Midwest suburban junior high schools. The results showed that 66% of those surveyed learned something from the broadcasts. (Contains 13 references.) (JLB)

Explores the difficulties encountered by international students while trying to balance satisfactory cross-cultural communication with maintenance of a cultural identity. Communication problems occur in areas where the cultural contrasts are most significant. The key to solving cross-cultural communication and preserving cultures is development of…

Describes how two Orlando, Florida, high schools enhanced student success by implementing community-generated restructuring plans. Block scheduling helped improve attendance and grade point averages. Also, a survey of teachers and students disclosed school climate gains in the areas of safety, success, involvement, commitment, interpersonal…

Presents steps taken in planning, implementing, and evaluating a descriptive study that compares student approaches to learning in two settings: (1) a traditional university class with face-to-face instruction; and (2) a distance education course. A discussion and figures analyze student responses to questionnaires and interviews concerning…

Discusses three classroom climates that are often encountered in teaching about inequality and social stratification: resistance, paralysis, and rage. Describes resistance as denying the existence or importance of inequality. Defines paralysis as classes that see little chance of overcoming inequality. Suggests that the enraged class is unable to…

Describes an interactive approach to the study of German lyric texts, based upon reader response theory. Using this approach, students observe themselves and their reactions to the experience, and their observations become the basis for class discussion and analysis of the text. (GLR)

Reports on introspective and retrospective accounts from test takers, in an attempt to examine the validity of reading and test-taking "skills." It is noted that there are clearly certain skills or processes involved in answering test items in a particular format that are not necessarily specified by the test writer. (15 references) (GLR)

Offers a description of a capstone course for undergraduates (majoring in either organizational or interpersonal communication) designed to help students understand and manage the interconnections between their personal and work lives. Discusses course assignments and evaluation as well as student response. (SR)

Gives an account of how several English teachers in two different schools used portfolio responses to re-form the content of their classes. Outlines the positive effects of such portfolio-based course assessment and learning. (HB)

Examines whether literacy assignments included characteristics that foster student learning and motivation. Interviews six elementary school teachers and their principal. Finds that accountability pressures to increase standardized test scores strongly influenced reading and language arts instruction. Finds that students seldom completed classwork…

Techniques for increasing honesty of student self-report measures, the inaccessible coding system and the alphabet-soup response form, were investigated in a study involving over 1,200 high school students. Both techniques were regarded favorably by students. Because both enhance anonymity, it appears that they could be used jointly. (SLD)

Examines some of the issues attached to the egalitarianism narrative, which has rapidly gained credence in the composition field and which serves as a powerful term of authorization. Pursues the question of egalitarianism in the computer networked composition classroom using an interpretive methodology. (RS)