One of the recent trends in language learning is training the learner to learn, so that he or she becomes "autonomous," that is, able to carry out alone the various steps in the learning process. This article concentrates on one of the most important of those steps, the analysis and fulfillment of the learner's needs, and it shows that this is…

This paper reports findings that all-day every-day educational programs have positive effects on kindergarten children. Also included is a Minnesota Association for Childhood Education (MACE) position paper which advocates the provision of full-day kindergarten programs and details seven criteria that a quality full-day program must meet. Efforts…

This book presents the basic ideas, motives, and goals of the Montessori Method of early childhood education and provides information for people interested in teaching in Montessori schools. Four main sections are included: (1) a discussion of the philosophical roots of the Mntessori Method and descriptions of the practical, day-to-day, operations…

In an effort to clarify understanding of the concept of critical learning periods, this paper discusses problems that people concerned with the motor development of children have had determining relationships between critical periods and learning, and a "readiness model" is offered as a solution that could enhance understanding of critical…

Reported is the everyday teaching and curriculum planning activities of the Madison Project, operated by teachers and mathematicians. Two kinds of informal explanatory experiences are provided in order to involve students in the discovery of significant mathematical concepts--experiences where children do something and experiences where a…

The effectiveness of specific visual perceptual training on readiness scores was studied. Three different groups of 27 randomly selected first grade black pupils participated in this investigation over a 9-week period. The experimental group received specific visual perceptual training drawn from the Frostig Developmental Program in Visual…

Three aspects of concept teaching might be guided by the conceptual learning and development model. First, by assessing the characteristics of cognitive style, classificatory skills, and logical reasoning ability, the student's readiness to attain concepts under various circumstances can be determined. Secondly, the model points to optimal methods…

This paper presents thoughts and techniques concerning the control of the specific learning disability (SLD) child and the emotional needs which these children have. The SLD child whose learning and behavior problems are significant and are due to some visual-perceptual or organic problem and not emotional disturbance, disadvantagement, or gross…

Making their own dictionaries gives beginners confidence in their writing, reading, and spelling progress. (Editor)

By insisting that a student master a skill before progressing to a more complex task, a teacher can help that student build a firm foundation for further learning experiences. (JD)

Analyzes the literature pertaining to the adult's need to learn how to learn and this concept's relevance for successful adult learning in three modes (learning on one's own, collaborative learning, and institutional learning). Also, discusses training (which helps adults acquire learning skills) and suggests some researchable questions. (EM)

Advances six postulates that largely define the learning side of a reciprocal language learning/teaching model, involving manner of presentation; learner characteristics; sensory data and memory role; comprehension and memory; multiple presentations; and informed teaching. (Author/CB)

Used Hersey/Blanchard model of situational leadership to study readiness levels of undergraduates (N=39) to learn listening skills, pairing high and low skill groups with high and low structure instruction. Results support view that developmental educators should consider individual levels of skill, experience, and motivation when designing…

Gifted children learn to underachieve as they struggle to cope with discomforting psychological conflicts in the classroom. Using the underachieving gifted program in Cupertino, California as an example, the article provides basic information to guide intervention efforts aimed at preventing or reversing patterns of academic underachievement…

Focusing on the brain's natural functions, this article discusses specific teacher characteristics, teaching methods, and peripheral stimuli helping to activate appropriate learning behavior. Also identifies particular events and teacher behaviors that block learning and frustrate the brain's efforts to harmonize conflicts and admit new…