Describes an eighth grade computer literacy course in which students used spreadsheet programs to illustrate statistics for classroom presentations. Discusses the use of color and animation in graphs, and the value of active participation using technology to increase student motivation, retention, and self-expression. (AEF)

In a classroom setting with young bilingual children and their parents, oral and written code switching allowed for effective communication among parents, children, and instructor in a way that was natural and comfortable for all involved. Proposes that code switching be viewed as part of a whole language approach in bilingual contexts. (Author/TD)

Reviews studies suggesting benefits of block play for literacy development that provides actual reading and writing experiences. Suggests that block play centers can be literacy-enhanced with materials that are authentic, useful, and appropriate, including: thematic books, magazines, architectural blueprints, envelopes, and adding machine tape.…

Researchers consistently underestimate the enormous potential of children to participate in the construction of their own learning environments and as research partners in examining learning. The paper chronicles one 6-year collaborative project with students on research in literacy learning and highlights students' perspectives on what the…

Examines the proposed definition of biological literacy as the understanding of a small number of pervasive biological principles appropriate to making informed personal and societal decisions. Utilizes the content of a major daily newspaper to adjust biology instruction to focus on this notion of biological literacy. Discusses benefits and…

Argues that nonmainstream (nonwhite and nonmiddle class) students do not perform as well in school as do mainstream students because they are not equitably served by the educational system. Equity issues in the literacy education of minorities are explored, examining student characteristics, sociocultural factors, language issues, and…

Examines ways in which language practices in the classroom, particularly those involved with reading and writing stories, are gendered literary practices. Argues that the gendered nature of classroom literacy practices requires more critical scrutiny and that texts cannot be treated as separate from their cultural production. (SLD)

Discusses the history and findings of the National Commission on Library and Information Science's field investigations of library services for Native Americans. Concerns include literacy, collecting strengths, extent of library services, professional training for librarians, federal support, and access to collections both on and off reservations.…

Teachers must acknowledge and validate minority students' home language without using it to limit their potential. Educators who are committed to teaching all students can help such students transcend their home language, acquire a secondary discourse, and succeed in mainstream schools without losing respect for their home culture. (SM)

The article describes how an urban African-American teacher inquired into, reflected upon, and analyzed her beliefs and assumptions about her practice and reconciled the need for personal and professional truth. Because teacher inquiry shapes curriculum and attitudes, literacy teachers must examine the pretexts under which they make assumptions.…

The interactions of gender, culture, and attitudes about computers were studied for 266 male and 204 female Japanese and 159 male and 144 female Swedish ninth graders. Most differences are best explained by country and student gender variables. The overall country effects are influenced more by females than males. (SLD)

This article reviews six models of literacy strategy instruction in special and remedial education and reports on a study which manipulated teacher and student control of activity, as well as the instructional context, in examining the implementation and outcomes of three models: direct instruction; reciprocal teaching; and collaborative problem…

Indicates science background is essential to student preparation for the Environmental Health Profession and provides examples of problems that occur because of the lack of scientific understanding. Reviews reasons for the declining enrollment in college science programs and discusses the challenge of recruiting students with the skills necessary…

Examines studies relating to two aspects of children's use of electronic information media: (1) access to print information through online (or card) catalogs and databases; and (2) direct access to information in electronic format. Gender differences are discussed, and implications of the studies for software development and equality of computer…

Reports on a study of the writing skills of 51 Italian fourth graders who used word processors for several months. Concludes that word processing can help motivate children and teachers to do more writing and that further improvement in writing skills would occur if the children received writing instruction. (CFR)