An intelligent advisor computer program designed to assist undergraduate computer science students in producing an entity-relationship diagram, a conceptual model of a database. The advisor helps students perform modeling exercises and monitors student performance. (MSE)

This article views differentiation as the process of identifying, with each learner, the most effective strategies for achieving agreed targets. It presents 10 elements of differentiation in special education, such as differentiation is multidimensional; differentiation is diagnostic; differentiation challenges classroom relationships; and…

A former editor of this journal, 1969-72, selects an article from his tenure that stands as an outstanding example of evaluation research. The article selected describes the comprehensive evaluation of the Individually Prescribed Instruction Project in mathematics in three Alberta elementary schools. The project was evaluated via classroom…

Visits to five programs using cooperative learning (CL) education with gifted students resulted in suggestions for such programs, including differentiation of assignments within the CL group, using open-ended tasks, creating "expert" groups, using cross-grade groups, and using a variety of self-aced CL materials. (DB)

A curriculum model linking mastery learning, individualized instruction, and modularized instruction would be ideal for the effective streaming of adult students toward targeted career objectives in the continuous intake programs of Ontario's community colleges. Pitfalls of implementation include teacher overload and lack of administrative…

Suggests that a combination of technologies is needed to meet the needs of adult basic education students. Describes the attributes of video-based, computer-based, and interactive technologies that lend themselves to the individuation necessary. (SK)

Portfolio assessment involves collecting multiple forms of data to support inferences about student performance in skill or content areas that cannot be sampled directly by a single measure. Portfolio assessment can help to clarify and individualize instructional goals for regular and special education students as well as suggest research and…

The effectiveness of advanced learning technologies is discussed and the concept of Just-in-Time Learning Systems with the potential of multimedia for interactive learning is advocated. Five key elements of a multimedia learning system are presented, including the use of digitized video. (LB)

A headteacher at a British special school for children with disabilities advocates retaining the best of traditional practice in teaching mathematics within the requirements of the National Curriculum. Noted are proposals emphasizing differentiated programs stressing application, selectivity, differentiation in depth, and student motivation. (DB)

The University of Oklahoma's Department of Family Medicine has an Individualized Faculty Development System that features self-assessment, discrepancy analysis, learning contracts, and quarterly progress reviews. An essential feature is mentoring by senior faculty. (SK)

Although an Illinois district had worked successfully with the Thoughtful Education model for instructional and curriculum reform, its tests still focused students' attention on grades. Using personalized learning principles stressing choice, understanding, motivation, engagement, critical thinking, and reflection, faculty created tests compatible…

Examines effects of adaptive instruction on results of 456 children in the first year of reading instruction at 23 Dutch primary schools. Teachers in the experimental group show significantly higher adaptive instructional behaviors (optimizing time on task and using direct instruction and phonics methods) than control-group teachers. (59…

Discusses opportunities available to writing centers involving four potentials for institutional refiguration: (1) institutional space; (2) knowledge production and intellectual property; (3) research paradigms and rewards; (4) and budget allocations. (NH)

Argues that the organization and practice of higher education is based on faulty assumptions about the structure of knowledge and nature of learning. Proposes an alternative form of undergraduate education based on the principle that learning takes place through the activity of the learner, and emphasizing the individual nature of learning,…

Six suggestions for individualizing instruction include: (1) grouping kids for instructional needs; (2) reducing class size; (3) providing additional resources; (4) increasing the amount of instructional time; (5) utilizing support personnel; and (6) preparing personnel with skills needed for individualization. (DB)