The commentary on three papers (EC 231 669-671) concerned with individual differences in special education notes agreement on the lack of empirical evidence that educational techniques specially adapted to characteristics of the learner differentially enhance learning. Stressed is the importance of the learner's ecological context--cultural,…

Reports on a study of the effects of cooperative and individualistic learning on 43 prospective elementary music teachers. Finds that cooperation promoted higher achievement and that students were off-task less frequently, perceived the instructor to be more supportive, and felt the grading system to be more fair. (CFR)

Differentiated instruction is an umbrella concept that allows teachers to pull together many disparate messages about multicultural education, alternative teaching and learning strategies, alternative assessments, learning styles, and standards. Developing a range of instructional strategies represents a fine tuning, not a new instrument. (MLH)

A statewide survey of Kentucky teachers of students with moderate and severe disabilities participating in an alternate assessment and accountability system found that teachers recognized specific benefits (such as students learning to follow individualized schedules) but also expressed frustration with time required to complete student assessment…

This survey questioned instructional designers about the increasing use of automated instructional design software to develop computer-based training (CBT). While these automated tools compact the complicated production process, educators complain that the resulting software often presents lock-stepped, linear instruction that neglects the…

This study examined reading instruction and grouping practices for students with learning disabilities through interviews with 14 special education teachers and observations of their resource room instruction. Teachers primarily provided whole group reading instruction and little differentiated instruction or materials despite the wide range of…

Investigates students' perceptions on learning through Web technology. Results suggest that Web-based instruction permitted the students to control their own learning and empower individual learning activities; provided meaningful learning and flexible practice; and provided greater accessibility to learning materials. Concerns and suggestions by…

As a political concept, inclusion captures the moral high ground by signifying something more desirable than "exclusion." However, not all parents of children with disabilities view mainstreaming as feasible or desirable. The 1997 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act supports a movement away from full inclusion back to special…

Although Darling-Hammond's emphases as a teacher, researcher, and college professor shifted over a distinguished 25-year career, her three driving concerns remain the serious and thoughtful training of highly professional teachers; elimination of inequities in school funding, resources, and access to qualified teachers; and personalization of…

Discusses how the role of the teacher has changed and expanded to accommodate the integration of technology into the classroom. Topics include beginning to use technology; teachers' technology training; curriculum management systems; instituting standards of learning; individualized instruction possibilities; embedded assessment tools; student…

Computers are valuable in meeting all students' needs within heterogeneous second-language classrooms, mainly because they allow for individualized learning, interactivity, learner independence, varied learning strategies, and heterogeneous teaching style. Computers help teachers challenge more able learners while supporting less able learners.…

A survey of technology instructors in junior and senior high schools determined the impact of adopting modular programs using individualized instructional materials (IIMs) on their teaching styles: teacher-directed methods decreased; use of student-oriented materials increased, while use of teacher-oriented materials decreased; frequency of…

Describes a process by which technology education students negotiate a contract with the teacher, then develop a plan to fulfill the contract and meet specific criteria for assessment. Concludes that this process provides a mechanism for the individualization of learning, accommodates the development of independence and self-direction, and…

This column provides background related to several "hot" reading topics currently taking place in schools across America as educators strive to produce lifelong readers who enjoy reading, read for a variety of purposes, and make meaning from the texts they read. Information for further reading on the topics explored also are shared. Such topics…

Aspiring teachers are taught the elements of "pedagogy," originally the art and science of teaching children. Many aspects of teaching adults, however, are fundamentally different than those employed in teaching children. In order to acknowledge these differences, a new word--"andragogy"--gained currency in the late 20th century. This article…