This article proposes that meaning and form (the sound-letter correspondences) are both important in beginning reading, but that initially they should be taught separately. Support for this position is provided, and a two-stage model of preliteracy development is offered, with the first stage emphasizing meaning and the second stage emphasizing…

Discusses the importance of improving the relationship between content and student motivation, underscoring the problems, purposes, and possibilities for creating a connection between the two. After reviewing psychological implications that influence learning processes, the paper discusses schools' intended purposes and presents practical…

Includes a preface and two articles: "Rhetoric in Action: Roger's Social Studies Classroom" and "Rhetorical Understandings for Social Studies Teachers." Details how one teacher applies rhetorical principles to teaching, so that student learning, enjoyment, and motivation increase. Focuses on the definitions and principles of…

Cognitive apprenticeship emphasizes a combination of authentic problem-solving experiences with expert guidance in lieu of decontextualized instruction. This article examines issues in cognitive science and describes a model of cognitive apprenticeship for providing academic instruction to students with special learning needs. (Author/DB)

This article describes "Thinking Actively in a Social Context," a multiphase model to assist in the development of problem-solving courses based on student needs and experiences. An example of such an interdisciplinary course (simulating a new settlement on another planet) for high ability children in grades five, six, and seven is detailed. (DB)

This paper discusses the historical context of communication and language intervention and critiques three widely used interventions. It advocates a cross-paradigmatic approach because its inherent flexibility fits with what is known about language acquisition, the nature of different intervention approaches, and human development. This approach…

This article examines constructivism in terms of the learner, the content, teacher-student interactions, motivation, and assessment; evaluates mathematics standards and their sensitivity to students with mild/moderate disabilities; and identifies 19 instructional components derived from constructivism, focusing on teacher behaviors, teacher…

The campus laboratory school can play a vital role in the successful implementation of a reflective educator model of teacher preparation by providing sites where effective instructional procedures can be modeled by first-rate classroom teachers for the benefit of preservice students. (IAH)

Reports on a study of 475 choral music directors to determine measurable dimensions of choral music teaching style, identify teaching styles and develop a reliable and valid self-report instrument for assessing teaching style. Identifies 11 choral music teaching styles based on performance, music concepts, and student independence. (CFR)

Describes an interactive-teaming model for delivering inservice education to teams providing services in early-childhood educational settings. Explains the model's critical features and how these features link with an interactive teaming format. Results of preliminary participant evaluations are also presented. (Author/DB)

Describes an interactive Web-based case GoFigure, Inc., built to develop a feasibility study for an expert configuration management system. Reviews educational paradigms related to active learning and discusses the value of hypermedia applications. Describes the case as it relates to development, deployment, and content. Analyzes processes and…

Examines the extent to which a group of superior elementary and secondary school teachers employed systematic instructional-planning practices. The two approaches were found to be different in several important ways: teachers did not place much emphasis on specifying objectives, creating objectives-based tests, or making other instructional…

Describes how a practical design question led to a reconsideration of the design process for problem-based instruction. Argues that this restructured process, called the "single-parse" design method, is of general value to designers. Discusses the product that emerged and application to the World Wide Web. (AEF)

Using a sociocultural framework, this article describes the importance of mediated learning and the difference between theoretical and empirical learning for developing scientific literacy. Components of scientific literacy are identified and a conceptual model adapted from ethnomathematics is used to demonstrate effects of theoretical learning on…

Discusses how three different models can be used to serve gifted children: separate classrooms, resource rooms, and the consultant-teacher model. How differentiated curricula can be used in inclusive settings and the characteristics of a differentiated classroom are highlighted. The need for appropriate professional development is emphasized. (CR)