Explores how cross-curricular themes can be integrated into the modern languages lesson. Key requirements include the need to clarify objectives, identify what can be usefully explored, introduce cultural comparisons at the appropriate time, focus on authentic reading materials, and use a basic core language and previously developed activities.…

Several key principles for planning an early literacy curriculum are discussed, including finding and using children's "funds of knowledge," building democratic communities in early childhood settings, honoring diversity among children and teachers, and finding strategies that effectively engage children. Finally, above all else, the…

Presents an interview with Bell Yung, a scholar of Chinese music and ethnomusicology. Maintains that world music (music from many nations and cultures) should be taught as early as possible in the schools and at home. Includes two lesson plans for teaching about Chinese music. (CFR)

This overview reviews a program of interlinked cross-sectional and longitudinal investigations of the nature of cognitive development in infants and young children with Down's Syndrome. The research falls into three groupings: object concept studies, operant learning experiments, and IQ studies. Early results suggest a common learning style which…

The development and validation of a Learning Style Questionnaire (LSQ) for use with upper primary school children studying science in an Asian context are described. Four important learning dimensions were identified: (1) concrete-abstract; (2) passive-active; (3) low-high self-confidence/self-esteem; and (4) superficial-deep motivation. (KR)

Fifty children, ranging in age from 4 to 10, were individually administered a series of tasks involving different combinations of 2 items selected from a discrete set of items. Analyses of their performances revealed a series of six, increasingly sophisticated, solution strategies ranging from random number selection of items to a systematic…

Argues that students' self-esteem must come from within. Provides strategies to help teachers create a classroom environment that allows students to build their own self-esteem, including (1) encouraging instead of praising; (2) building self-reliance; (3) creating a positive atmosphere of belonging; (4) recognizing individuality; and (5) modeling…

Videotaped sessions were designed to present teachers with a comprehensive staff development program on learning strategies and the means for creating personal problem-solving strategies in various settings. Site-based facilitators were trained to coordinate program activities. Pilot participants significantly increased their knowledge base and…

This study investigated the cognitive style (field dependence/independence) and learning strategies of undergraduate students in learner-controlled computer-assisted instruction (CAI). Three learning strategies were identified, but it was concluded that cognitive styles and learning strategies may be the result of the computer software design,…

Discusses research findings that relate to teaching fractions for conceptual understanding. Gives teacher/student dialogues that illustrate the thought processes of students as they form part-whole and improper fraction concepts. (MDH)

Three elementary students with behavioral disorders were trained to use a cognitive "cover, copy, and compare" strategy to learn division facts. Two students increased their rate of correct responding to mastery level, the third student required additional feedback and goal setting, and all three students maintained increased rates of…

A case study of an eight-year-old boy with learning disabilities illustrates a cognitive approach to assessing and remedying numeral-writing difficulties. Discussed are the sources of writing difficulty, assessing and fostering an accurate mental image, and constructing an accurate motor plan. Successful remediation resulted from nine five-minute…

Six validated principles of instruction are applied to the development of guidelines for using computerized instruction with students with special needs. The six principles are direct instruction, mastery learning, overlearning and automaticity, cooperative learning, monitoring student progress, and learning styles. A table lists guidelines for…

Presents two methods for solving equations. An asymmetric approach works backward from a number by reversing operations performed on a variable. A symmetric approach views the equation as a scale and performs inverse operations on both sides of the balance to solve for the variable. (MDH)

Defines memory skills as techniques for increasing initial learning and long-term retention of information, and argues that good memory skills are important. Nine ways in which teachers can improve the ability of students to remember are presented. Emphasis is placed on mnemonic strategies. (SLD)