Academic failure must be seen as a failure by school and student together. By discarding faith in the "average needs" of the "average child" and instead accepting diversity in learning styles (both abstract and concrete, sequential and random), teachers can approach school failure from a problem-solving perspective. (PB)

The article describes a data-based method by which teachers can differentiate motivational problems from learning problems and increase the academic performance of learners with mildly handicapping conditions. The method involves graphing work attempted and percentage correct, reinforcing work attempted, and analyzing performance data for…

This study, with 43 boys ages 8-12, found that children with relatively high concentrations of lead in their hair reacted significantly slower in a simple reaction-time task than did children with relatively low concentrations of lead in their hair. In addition, the former were significantly less flexible in changing their focus of attention.…

Discusses student difficulties with probability concepts and argues that a key difficulty is the lack of transferability of pupils' curriculum-based knowledge. Presents several probability game activities to help students with these difficulties. (MKR)

Associations among expressive phonological development, metaphonological skills, and spelling performance are examined. Suggestions are offered for analyzing and remediating phonological deficiencies of children with phonologically based spelling problems. A case study of a third grader with spelling problems exemplifies assessment and…

This article proposes use of a restructured hundreds chart that involves a right-to-left sequence of numbers (similar to the direction of computations) and inclusion of zero. Specific instructional activities using the restructured chart are suggested for teaching such skills as counting, number identification, numerical relationships, place…

Explanations for problems in mathematics are offered, and examples that may lead to a better understanding of problems in mathematics are discussed. Examples include the developmental, dyscalculia, dyspedagogia, behaviorist, medical, psychoanalytic, cultural, curricular, social, transactional, moral, and eclectic models. A case study exemplifies…

Evaluation of mean score differences between the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale (Fourth Edition) and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (Revised) (WISC-R) for 126 children with academic difficulties found the Stanford-Binet composite score was significantly higher than the WISC-R score at the lower end of the ability continuum but…

Explores functions of literacy for students with severe language and learning problems. Discusses rationales and logistics of developing an appropriate literacy curriculum based on holistic principles. Describes the school atmospheres established to support students' literacy. Presents case studies of two students over the course of four years of…

Analyzes the problems of mathematics education for Aboriginal-Australian children. The analysis attempts to show how mathematics can be appropriated by Aboriginal people in ways that will not lead to self-destruction but rather will enable self-determination for Aboriginal Australia. (25 references) (GLR)

This article discusses the use of mnemonic techniques in helping students acquire new information and apply that information in problem-solving situations. It outlines common academic learning problems and the dynamics of mnemonic strategies and applies the strategies to remembering definitions, factual information, processes, functions, and…

Discovers how preschool hearing-impaired children learn about literacy within a school setting. Finds that the children, through literacy, find ways to learn about the hearing world and, more important, to be a part of it. (RS)

Theoretical review provides psychologists with stronger etiological explanations for problematic behaviors they encounter in schools. Considers theory of gene-environment correlation to explain how behavior patterns can become more stable over life span and diathesis-stress theory to clarify how environment interacts with behavioral dispositions…

Describes the use of a flexible grouping strategy called "group retellings." Students are grouped heterogeneously into two- to four-member groups, read a portion of the text, and then retell the content to other group members. (DB)

Offers a framework for improving instructional tools in beginning reading with emphasis on their importance for children with diverse learning needs. Bases rationale on current practices and challenges of increasing diversity in classrooms. Identifies critical dimension or big ideas of beginning reading and relates it to curriculum design…