A large number of factors are considered in their role in second language learning. Individual factors include language aptitude, personality, attitudes and motivation, and the role of the speaker's native language. Teacher factors involve the method of instruction, the sex of the teacher, and a teacher's training and competence, while…

This document reports the methodology and results of the third annual statewide student follow-up study of the Maryland community colleges. Questionnaires were sent to 19,634 persons who were first-time students in a Maryland community college in fall, 1972. Response rate was 48%. A sequential sampling procedure was used to test for nonrespondent…

Points out that teachers who understand that learning to read and write is a complex social as well as cognitive process will structure their classrooms for collaboration and meaningful reading and writing. Claims they will also examine why they vary their teaching practices for different groups of children. (SKC)

The importance of and ways in which the perspective of women of color can be integrated into the teaching of gender-related topics in sociology are discussed. The three major teaching methods identified are a comparison approach, a special treatment approach, and a mainstreaming approach. Institutional settings are also discussed. (RM)

This study of drill-and-practice computer-assisted instruction (CAI) compares CAI with reinforcement, CAI with formal classroom instruction, and CAI alone to determine which is most effective for gains in achievement. Results are analyzed for remedial students in grades four to eight who studied reading and math, and future research needs are…

Describes a summer program at the University of Lethbridge designed to improve the retention and graduation rates of Native American students, most of whom are adult reentry students with incomplete secondary school preparation; covers program theory, cultural background, staffing, student screening, curriculum, and outcomes. (JHZ)

The word "underclass" has become popular, but it is nebulously defined. The focus of discussions on the underclass is not on economics but behavior. The poor are scapegoats for drug problems and the crime rate. The concept of "underclass" ignores the conflict between the dynamic of tokenism and the reality of capitalism. (BJV)

Examines Canadian educational systems as they reduced Indian students' self-esteem. Traces history of systematic degradation of Native culture through educational systems since 1600s. Beginning in late 1970s, intervention by Indian parents and tribal elders has led some Indian communities to operate their own school systems. (TES)

The results, which contrasted markedly with findings of major group differences at 12 months of age, indicated that by age two no group differences were apparent on any child development, mother-child interaction, or maternal attitude measures, except that preterms were significantly poorer in motor skills than were full-term infants. (RH)

Examination of about 300 Black and White first graders demonstrates that providing a great deal of instructional time and using high-quality, challenging materials are critical to student success in reading and that grouping students by ability within a class and then matching the pace of instruction to students' ability bolsters achievement. (BJV)

Suggests that both boys and girls are interested in sports and recreation. Describes activities which utilize the topic of sports to highlight diverse vocabulary terms, encourage playing with language, and develop listening and writing skills. Provides an annotated bibliography of sports books for children. (ARH)

An experimental study compared the instructional effectiveness of Logo programming, commercially available software designed to aid composition and problem solving, and traditional teaching methods for low socioeconomic status first-grade students. Both software environments enhanced problem solving performance for a novel task, but Logo was most…

Describes Australian study which investigated relationships between characteristics of disadvantaged elementary and secondary students and their participation in computing activities, both in and out of the classroom. Variables used to define disadvantaged include gender, school ability, socioeconomic status, and ethnic background. Results are…

Responses of 259 school districts to a questionnaire about special education substitute teachers indicated that regional differences affected policies regarding degree and certification, consideration for full-time employment, and pay; while evaluation, training, selection, removal, and fringe benefit practices were consistent across the nation.…

Compares the approaches to study of external students to those of a matching sample of internal students and discusses the relevance of current learning theories to studies of mature external students. The usefulness of the "Approaches of Studying" inventory for describing study habits of external students is also examined. (MBR)