Describes the goal-setting, assumptions, and instructional design of a metacognitive approach for using context-use strategies to develop at-risk students' vocabulary. Presents an example demonstrating implementation of the approach. Reports that both teacher and students evaluated the approach favorably. (RS)

Three methods used in applied behavioral analysis research and appropriate for conducting a functional assessment of problem behavior in persons with mental retardation are described. They are informant assessment (e.g., behavioral interviews, rating scales, and questionnaires), direct observation assessment, and experimental analysis. (Author/DB)

Specific teaching strategies to help hearing-impaired secondary students comprehend abstract concepts include (1) pinpointing facts and fallacies, (2) organizing information visually, (3) categorizing ideas, and (4) reinforcing new vocabulary and concepts. Figures provide examples of strategy applications. (DB)

The study investigated effects of training 12 adolescents with learning disabilities in a 7-step word identification strategy (using a general problem-solving strategy with specific substrategies) and found significant gains in word identification but inconsistent gains in comprehension. (DB) (DB)

Presents a series of data sets and answers that can be used to do an inhouse evaluation of common procedures in statistical software programs that are designed for use on microcomputers. Highlights include procedures for t-test, analysis of variance, regression, correlation, and categorical data analysis. (14 references) (LRW)

Describes a method of increasing vocabulary recognition of Chapter 1 elementary students by using mastery words from basal programs, sight word cards, and modified cloze stories. (MG)

Four steps in facilitating pragmatic language development in young hearing-impaired students are discussed, including identifying communication behaviors, coding a child's conversation, putting the school environment to work, and charting progress. A pragmatic communication skills taxonomy and a grid of age-linked pragmatic communication skills…

Research procedures used to evaluate the intelligence of children with specific language impairment are reviewed. Almost half of the 167 studies did not include adequate descriptions of intelligence assessment. (Author/JDD)

An assessment plan to evaluate student outcomes of foreign language studies and four other disciplines at the State University of New York is presented. Measurement vehicles, including the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages rating scale, and assessment plan materials, such as the foreign language course handbook and portfolio…

Examines certain instructional effects on second-language acquisition, such as code-focused instruction and classroom interaction. Empirical research on instructional effects are outlined in relation to some basic issues, including learning environment influences and processing constraints. (54 references) (GLR)

Analysis of the process used by a faculty-student committee to choose medical student summer researchers (N=82) over two years looked at project findings in comparison with findings of other-funded projects by rejected applicants and with the original proposals. The soundness of the review process was supported. (MSE)

A study with 40 registered nurses found that individuals labeled as preferring high structure achieved better in low-structure settings and vice versa, a result contrary to outcomes reported in the literature and assumed for years. Findings suggest that student involvement may be a significant component of a successful educational experience. (MSE)

This introduction to the characteristics of software for CD-ROM describes programs used to format and create data stored on the disk, as well as retrieval programs. Criteria that need to be considered when evaluating CD-ROM software are discussed, including retrieval strategies (browsing vs. keyword searching), interfaces, index and file…

Describes a process model that can be used for performance technology and discusses differences between it and an instructional technology process model. Five basic steps are examined: needs assessment/analysis; design; development; implementation; and evaluation. An instructional technology/performance technology process comparison matrix is also…

This article pursues two ends: to describe, evaluate, and compare various methodologies and strategies available for evaluating learning technologies, and to illustrate several key strategies. Evaluation methods include surveys, interviews, observations, activity measures, and combinations of these. Examples include Educom Survey, Carnegie Mellon…