Examines the theoretical basis of suggestions that children's brain size and intelligence grow in periodic spurts and plateaus and that schooling should be planned accordingly. A "mock debate" presents excerpts from researchers holding conflicting viewpoints on this issue. (TE)

Learning activities regarding the future that can help high school students develop problem-solving skills and foster in them a feeling of stimulation and challenge when confronting change are described. (RM)

Describes a screening device, the Barclay Early Childhood Skill Assessment System (BECSAS), which uses teacher, child, and parent input and spells out possible intervention strategies based on specific deficits. Reports the use of the BECSAS to analyze the relationship between parent education level and student skill deficits. (JAC)

Reports an evaluation of business games which asked participants to describe the game using Ghiselli's self-description inventory, a scale related to managerial talent. Results suggest games are not as useful in developing managerial talent as they are in teaching basic business principles and quantitative decision making techniques. (MBR)

Discusses training needs of agricultural students and the process, activities, and resources utilized by a simulation game designed to encourage development of appropriate conflict resolution and communications skills and to create awareness of agricultural extension needs. Summarizes results of field test evaluation of VILLAGE and deficiencies in…

Five computer-oriented classroom activities are suggested. They include: Logo programming to help students develop estimation, logic and spatial skills; creating flow charts; inputting data; making snowflakes using Logo; and developing and using a database management program. (JN)

Described is a mini-investigation model, which elementary social studies teachers can use to help students acquire and process information when writing reports. In their investigation of a topic, students must ask the right questions, list possible resources, and develop a product, e.g., poster, news article. (RM)

Offers several strategies for increasing reading rate without descreasing comprehension. (FL)

Patterns and directions are given for making bulletin boards that teach language arts and mathematics skills through hands-on student involvement. The boards help teach multiplication tables, word contractions, letter sounds, homonyms, compound words, alphabetization, and other skills. (PP)

Micro-peer teaching is an important step in preservice teacher education at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. A three-lesson sequence used in a secondary methods course for physical education teachers is outlined. (PP)

Evaluated the relative effectiveness of observation-feedback (OF) and skill-based (SB) training methods, as well as sequences of training on the acquisition of structuring and relationship skills. Concluded that the OF-SB sequence showed significant gains in the acquisition of relationship skills. Discussed implications for the training of family…

Describes comprehensive "Program for More Effective Teaching" based on research into teacher behaviors conducive to learning. Emphasis is placed on assessing levels of difficulty, monitoring student progress, adjusting strategies, and practical application of learning principles. (TE)

Described are the pros and cons of group activity and independent study for secondary students and a three week unit on the processes of socialization. Eleven activities such as field trips, seminars, readings, and surveys are outlined. For journal availability, see SO 505 192. (Author/DB)

A review of the literature in social sciences instruction which deals with developing student competence and increasing student motivation is presented. Tables identifying four teacher and student behavior models are included. (Author/DB)

Identifies teaching techniques for implementing social participation skills among elementary school students. Problems of perception and decision making among young children are discussed. (Author/DB)