Examines the long term results--obtained mainly in the USA--of the large scale use of individualized systems for the teaching of mathematics, concentrating on systems which use the human tutor as one of their components. Several instructional systems are compared and described, and future prospects are discussed. (JEG)

Introduces this special issue by discussing the nature of educational technology and its development in the antipodes as presented in the eight papers which follow. Topics focus on the understanding of educational technology as a systematic process--a problem-oriented approach to the design, implementation, and evaluation of educational…

The Department of Pediatrics at the University of Texas Medical Branch developed a method of presenting the didactic information in pediatrics in a series of instructional modules. Student acceptance of the modules has been very high. (LBH)

The Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical Center--the MET--is a multimillion-dollar Rhode Island effort to emphasize learning in real-world situations. Internships have become the torque that drives each student's education plan, focusing on higher level skills rather than on skills specific to a certain trade. (MLF)

Finds that, although literary theory is the language of expression in research-oriented universities that train Ph.D.s in English, most college English classes are still taught in the formalist way they have been for many years, suggesting a lack of communication between research and nonresearch institutions. (PA)

Critiques a symposium paper written by John Elliot and challenges the view that action research is for all teachers. Discusses specific examples of the difficulties of using the action research approach in environmental education, and explores whether action research is a culturally specific creation. (DDR)

Argues that neither traditional "knowledge delivery" models of teaching, nor a purely "student-centered" approach, adequately addresses the challenges of student diversity. Proposes an emphasis on the sociocultural nature of learning and teaching, modeling learning as acquiring the capacity to participate in discourses of an unfamiliar knowledge…

Presents a few ideas about teaching reading and writing on many different levels in middle schools. Notes that teaching reading and writing requires commitment and a great deal of effort. Suggests reading to students at all grade levels; fueling real writing by having students engage in reading; and sing the "6+1 traits of writing"…

Discusses conflicts between traditional versus innovative instructors and the need to focus on the learning activities that tutor and student engage in, based on experiences at Staffordshire University (United Kingdom). Suggests that staff developer and tutor need to work together to maintain the authenticity of learning activities. (Author/LRW)

Presents the structured comprehension method, a strategy that facilitates literal, inferential, and critical reading comprehension for passive readers who can decode but not comprehend. Uses the method to illustrate how other areas of students' instruction (e.g., vocabulary enhancement through morphemic analysis, use of a phonogram approach to…

Urges educators to engage in higher-order thinking about at-risk young people in an effort to develop interrelated communities of caring and learning. Argues that middle-level schools can provide a sense of community and provide a place where young adolescents practice "cooperative individualism." (SR)

A Lockheed flight controls engineer describes how, as an undergraduate, he taught first graders basic lessons in physics and engineering by using slides, monkey bars, and other playground equipment to demonstrate principles like gravity, friction, force, and inertia. The children learned more about lift and gravity by constructing and flying paper…

Discusses how contract grading promotes quality writing as well as a larger quantity of writing. Considers how teachers can use contract grading to support and promote the behaviors, thinking skills, and writing skills they believe will help students create quality writing. Notes that contract grading leads students to write more, to have fewer…

Presents four brief essays by teachers addressing "the cost of plagiarism,""involving students the first day,""grammar," and "learning without being taught." (SG)

Considers how the concept of Traveling Literacy Trunk was designed to reach all corners of the state of Oregon with compelling, student-centered, developmentally appropriate writing activities that could be shared with teaching professionals. Outlines 12 steps for developing a Traveling Literacy Trunk. Describes many benefits of the Literacy…