This study examined the effectiveness of school-based drug education in affecting knowledge, attitudes, decision making, motivation, and self-esteem. Pre- and postintervention surveys of fourth through eighth graders indicated that self-esteem did not improve significantly. Knowledge and attitude scores improved significantly, with a positive…

Communication-based teaching techniques are described that lead German language students from input to output in a stimulating and motivating learning environment. Input activities are most useful for presenting speech acts, vocabulary, and grammar; output activities, for fine-tuning those areas as well as for expanding students' productive…

Discusses the characteristics of transformational leadership and its impact on the organizational culture and effectiveness of schools. Outlines its role in school culture, bureaucratic mechanisms, staff development, communication, responsibility, and power and recognition, asserting that vision of the future and empowerment of others are crucial…

Describes a program that encourages the love of reading, and develops the reading skills of early adolescents, preschoolers, and elementary school students. The adolescents read aloud to the younger children from children's books, discuss the readings with the children, and help the children understand the books. (SM)

Study investigated teacher preferences for certain modes of helping students (enactive attainment, vicarious experience, verbal persuasion, and anxiety reduction). Preservice and inservice teachers read six scenarios of students with learning difficulties and ranked helping responses. Overall, they preferred verbal persuasion; they tended to…

A research project is reported that incorporates foreign language study into a transition program at the University of Tennessee designed to improve academic performance and "demystify" the college experience. The immediate goals of the foreign language component as well as its broader implications for minority student achievement are…

A previously proposed structural model of the theory of educational productivity of H. J. Walberg was tested for science achievement and attitude with a national probability sample of 2,535 tenth graders from the Longitudinal Study of American Youth. Results support a mediated effects representation of the productivity model. (SLD)

Discusses a study exploring whether field-independent (FI) students would rank FI teachers' characteristics as more important than would field-dependent (FD) students and whether FD students would rank as more important. Describes tests and criterion used. Concludes that individual differences in field dependence-independence characteristics…

The social context of school reform efforts is examined. It is argued that the intended modern school curriculum, designed to produce self-motivated, active learners, is undermined by classroom policies that emphasize simple obedience. Alignment of curriculum and a revised management scheme that serves as an instructional scaffold are recommended.…

Research suggests children have seven distinct intelligences (linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, musical, bodily kinesthetic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal). The article presents ideas to help elementary teachers develop intelligences in their students. It describes the project approach to providing multiple opportunities for using…

This study investigated whether significant group, gender, and grade differences existed in the learning style preferences of high school students with learning disabilities (n=53) and gifted students (n=64). Findings indicated significant group differences in preferences for light, design, and kinesthetic modality, as well as for motivation,…

Contends that school budgetary problems require careful purchase of social studies curriculum materials that can be used in creative ways to make connections with mathematics, science, language arts, and the fine arts. Reviews the three programs that provide worthwhile and motivating classroom experiences. (CFR)

An independent activity engagement program, developed for institutionalized people with mental handicaps, included an adapted watch to provide auditory or visual cues at preset times, a box with pictorial cards representing familiar activities, and reinforcement. The program was suitable for the two adult participants but they continued to rely on…

A survey of secondary students, French language teachers, managers, and university students in Buenos Aires (Argentina) gives insight into the role of French there and reasons for studying it. Students in general appreciated the language for its aesthetic aspects, managers and teachers for its contribution to culture in general. (MSE)

Asserts that teachers have the technological tools to help students become involved in their own learning. Maintains that geographic instruction can be improved by using one computer or an entire bank of computers in the classroom. Describes and recommends computer software programs and online information services. (CFR)