Investigates kindergarten children's ability to comprehend and appreciate cognitively-oriented humor. Conceptual development was measured by assessing children's responses to a liquid conservation task modeled after Piaget. Results fail to support previous theories and indicate that a majority of the children fully comprehended and were able to…

Focuses on students' immediate behavioral and cognitive responses and short-term outcomes during seatwork tasks. Twenty-four first graders in six classrooms were observed for the (1) apparent focus of attention, (2) nature of involvement with instructional stimuli, (3) initiative taken to seek help, (4) level of success, and (5) perceptions of…

Reviews research on students' attitudes toward social studies instruction at the elementary and secondary levels. In general, studies reveal a more negative attitude toward social studies than other subjects. Favorable attitudes are fostered by teachers who, among other things, go beyond being competent instructors to make social studies…

The merits and limitations of expanding family choice of education for children are discussed, with emphasis on how such choice affects students and teachers, what are the competing objectives, and what regulates the choices families may make. (MT)

Using Vygotsky's concept of mediated development, a study was designed to determine the effectiveness of what teachers say during instruction in reading skills. Twenty-two teachers were observed five times and their students interviewed to discover student awareness of the use of strategies in reading. Results are explored. (Author/MT)

Reports on an assessment study of secondary vocational education based on student testing and surveys of teachers, parents, students, and vocational administrators. Suggested improvements include (1) emphasis on basic skills, (2) more career counseling, (3) business-school partnerships, (4) local vocational plan development, and (5) cooperation…

Examines the lack of information about how children evaluate what they read and why they select particular reading materials. Offers approaches to understanding reading preferences and ways to encourage evaluative skills. Suggests six criteria for selecting good children's literature and ideas about using children's magazines to help express…

Discusses various student reactions to new classroom methods and offers suggestions on how to deal with student resistance. The suggestions include: (1) becoming aware of the students' past experiences, interests, and goals; (2) building student confidence in the teacher's expertise; (3) moving slowly; and (4) showing students how they have…

Discussion of intelligent computer assisted learning (CAL) systems considers both those that offer natural language communication to the user and those that are adaptive, generative, or self-improving. Current interest in student-built learning environments (exemplified by work with LOGO and PROLOG) is examined, and obstacles to future intelligent…

Describes the features of TOPO, HERO, RB5X, and Tasman Turtle, personal robots used in elementary and secondary schools and colleges to introduce concepts of artificial intelligence, advanced high school and college computer science, and elementary level programming. Mechanical arms are also briefly mentioned. (MBR)

Presents strategies helpful in maintaining learner attention (providing response opportunities, providing variety in presentation style, connecting activities clearly); building learner interest (demonstrating results, using humor, using creative examples, using questions, using unpredictability); and developing learner involvement (using…

Discusses student reactions to college recruitment/admissions practices. Students indicated campus atmosphere, academic program and campus visits influenced the choice of a college. They want good information on which to make a decision and want to be treated as individuals. (JAC)

Reports on a study that examined the relationship between age and depth of response to poetry. (HOD)

Offers suggestions for the systematic study of characters that can help children develop skills in understanding stories. Describes two activities that can be used for this purpose. (FL)

Instruction techniques utilized by secondary school teachers and those preferred by students when sex education topics are taught were identified in this article. Large group discussion was preferred when teaching social and emotional aspects of sexuality. Educational media was a technique used and preferred to address physiological aspects.…