Describes research among Hispanic and White fourth graders in regular, bilingual, or English as a second language (ESL) classes, on relationships between academic achievement and types of instructional programs; correlations between achievement and self-concept; cultural attitudes; ethnic identity; and variables related to achievement. Discusses…

Discusses the pedagogical implications, for a French class, of the following: (1) a puzzle-like game for text reconstruction; (2) use of gossip-column letters in advanced classes; (3) use of radio news and newspaper titles; and (4) classroom space utilization favoring spontaneous communication. (AMH)

Critiques the argument that community college students neither want nor need exposure to humanities curricula. Examines and refutes the belief that community colleges attract second-rate and disadvantaged students. Argues for effectively enabling students to understand the components of their culture through liberal arts and basic skills…

Explores the following topics: the way the means of communication comprise a real and influential environment; the changes that radical shifts in the structure of that environment cause in social organizations and intellectual predispositions; and the role of educators in assessing the biases of the information environment. (GT)

The United Cerebral Palsy Open Education Project was developed to meet the individual educational goals of multiply handicapped children (ages six months to 13 years). (PHR)

Experiential learning and experiential education are defined and compared to classroom-based learning. Scandinavian Seminar, an American-Scandinavian organization with a one-year independent living and learning program, is described. The process of second-language learning, cultural immersion, and attitudes in language learning are discussed. (MLW)

Varying aspects of the study of psychology are discussed focusing on the shortcomings of the traditional definition of psychology as the study of behavior. Effects of cognitive, experimental, and applied psychology are examined, and a general concept of psychology as the study of the mind and mental processes is advanced. (BH)

Describes how focus groups comprised of speech-language professionals, paraprofessionals, general and special education teachers, and parents in Iowa were used to conduct a needs assessment of issues in staff development and use of paraprofessional personnel and to design job-relevant personnel development programs. An attached chart lists themes…

A middle school teacher explored how to help eighth graders develop confidence and strength of conviction in writing. Student surveys, comparisons between point-of-view and voice, and practice resulted in strong, well-written papers. By clarifying the concept of voice, students' writing improved mechanically and became richer and more interesting.…

Reports on two studies addressing the issue of ultimate attainment of pronunciation by late second-language learners. Findings indicate that it is not impossible to achieve an authentic, nativelike pronunciation of a second language after a specified biological time. The article argues that certain learner characteristics and learning contexts may…

Compares language patterns in two moderately aphasic adults over age 60 with left hemisphere damage, using measures of lexical richness (word frequency). Argues for the usefulness of evaluating patients on conversational speech and the role of extensive linguistic analysis in prognosis and therapy. The discussion considers both qualitative and…

Sixth-grade teachers from diverse content areas and specialized fields came together as teacher-researchers to infuse principles of literacy/language learning across the curriculum, targeting low-achieving students. Through reflective inquiry, they gained insights into new strategies as they revised their roles from content area teachers to…

Maccia's epistemology of intelligent natural systems implies that computer systems must develop qualitative intelligence before knowledge representation and natural language understanding can be achieved. Emotion and sensation--capabilities which computers do not currently possess are vital to the growth of the mind (Stanley I. Greenspan).…

Argues that educators should provide black youth with the history of Black and Standard English and encourage them to examine these two forms critically, along with the social and political situations that created them. Young black people who know the value of language and culture will not have to surrender one of these languages. (SLD)

Argues that educational research does not support the effects of transitional bilingual education as a superior instructional practice for improving the English-language achievement of limited-English-proficient students. Real studies are needed of the effectiveness of intensive English language instruction. (SLD)