A recent study of schooling in five nations with well-developed educational systems (Canada, Denmark, England, Germany, and Japan) reveals that most of them share important characteristics not generally found in American schools. Results suggest that U.S. elementary educators should reconfigure school-year length, vacation time, and the pace of…

Described are two methods of classroom management that attempt to optimize the first few moments of the class period. One method focuses on using the prior day's homework, and the other uses new problems presented to the students to work on as they enter the classroom. (MDH)

This article provides a framework for social skills homework in special education; an example of a social skills assignment; and a continuum for the involvement of parents, teachers, peers, and others in the homework process. Practicing social skills in natural settings is felt to assist in generalization and maintenance. (JDD)

One law school professor's experience with use of out-of-class assignments similar to those actually faced in legal practice as a teaching tool and an alternative to final examinations is described. Students responded well to the method, finding it effective, less stressful, and a legitimate evaluation tool; and the professor found it helped in…

A study investigated the effect of reward on sixth graders' self-correction inaccuracy and monitored the effect of improved self-correction on mathematics homework achievement. There was a low baseline rate of student self-correction inaccuracy. Offering a reward for improved accuracy caused the rate of inaccuracy to decrease significantly.…

A survey of secondary mathematics teachers' (n=28) preferences in textbook characteristics and uses indicates that characteristics related to student usability outside of the classroom are important. The most important textbook use was for student exercises in class and for homework. (16 references) (MDH)

Examined effects of parental involvement on achievement of eighth-grade students. Analyzed data from 21,814 students and their parents. Results suggest that parental involvement in students' academic lives is powerful influence on eighth-grade students' achievement. Effect held for all academic areas and appeared to result in part from increased…

The effects of promoting families to be involved in the homework of their middle-grades children, and the effect of involvement on student achievement in mathematics were studied with families of 74 white sixth graders. Prompted families were significantly more involved in homework. Level of family involvement was not significantly related to…

Discussion of the parents' role in homework highlights use of the Big6 Skills to focus on information literacy and information problem-solving processes rather than focusing on having parents help with the actual subject area content. The emphasis is on having parents act as guides and helpers rather than as teachers. (LRW)

Describes an Internet-based course in Beam Physics offered at Michigan State University (MSU) as part of the Virtual University Degree program. Discusses the importance of local contact persons, technical aspects, equipment, the Internet-based homework assignments, difficulties encountered, and future activities. (Author/AEF)

A homework-intervention training program for parents of male children with average or better skills and ability was evaluated. A series of individual parent consultation and training sessions were used to teach specific homework interventions. A multiple baseline design across participants produced favorable results over the school year.…

Comparison of 272 U.S. and 219 Korean seventh graders showed that those who had homework preferences often were not able to do their homework the preferred way. Students in the two countries had substantially different homework preferences and styles, many reflecting different cultural behavior norms. (SK)

Summarizes results of a nationwide survey to determine secondary principals' attitudes toward selected aspects of block scheduling. All 69 participants (from 10 states) expressed full support for block scheduling. Many principals expressed concerns about student maturity, sequential course offerings, and time spent on homework. Schedule…

Considers the benefits of having teens train public library patrons in technology use. Discusses what teens want from libraries, including access to technology, technology training, and homework help; what teens need to learn, depending on the patrons they will be helping; and training methods, including role playing. (LRW)

A study compared the academic and learning characteristics of three students with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders (AD/HD), three gifted students, and three gifted students with AD/HD. Giftedness conferred benefits related to specific talents but did not offer protection from the negative outcomes of AD/HD, such as inattention and…