These conference proceedings approach urban education from three perspectives. The first section describes basic issues in urban education: financial problems, legal mandates, cultural diversity, and desegregation. Papers included are: "Financing Urban Schools" by Richard A. Rossmiller; "Legal Issues in Urban Education" by…

Five explanations for students not learning effectively are examined for their soundness, support from research evidence, and implications for attempts to improve students as learners. Explanations examined are these: (1) students lack the necessary study skills; (2) students are of different types, and some student types have limited learning…

This paper describes an instructional improvement approach which aims to assist educational systems to enhance their capabilities to plan and implement effective improvements in their basic skills programs, and illustrates how research on implementation and dissemination is used in the design and development of the approach. Four elements of the…

Information on basic skills improvement programs is provided through a review of research findings concerned with the factors determining quality education. These factors fall into four key areas: (1) the classroom--use of time, classroom climate/control, teacher behaviors, student behavior, organization of instruction; (2)…

Although field work can be an effective means of increasing student awareness of a particular topic and fostering research skills that are difficult to develop in a classroom, field trips are too often conducted as dreary, meaningless sightseeing tours. This pitfall can be avoided by organizing field work activities using a six-stage systems…

Instructional Development (I.D.) encounters are dependent for success on such variables as power, politics, promotion, and organizational placement. I.D. consultants must be aware of power bases or orientation of other personnel and clients, e.g., these four "power personalities" which affect their efforts in managing I.D. encounters: the gate…

Special education programs and support services for individuals with learning disabilities must be part of an education agency's total instructional program and must not be regarded as a separate and parallel system. Recommendations regarding program and service planning and implementation and service options are presented. (CB)

Examination of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) projects sought answers to fundamental design and implementation questions, resulting in some tentative conclusions and four recommendations involving building upon a linguistically theoretic basis, developing deep and meaningful practice, exploring diverse strategies and roles, and…

Reviews study of 80 undergraduate sociology students which compared the effects of two types of sequencing in computer assisted instruction: (1) linear, or fixed, and (2) flip, or branching. Results indicate that students in the flip sequence condition performed better on comprehension measures but not on retention measures. (Author/LRW)

Argues for an ethnographic reorientation to needs analysis and syllabus design in English for specific purposes in advanced postgraduate centers of science and technology. The seven-stage framework (specify learners, analyze needs, specify enabling objectives, select materials, identify teaching/learning activities, evaluate, and revise) used to…

Describes a three-week modular course on training methods that was prepared and run for technical instructors at a telecommunications training institute in Saudi Arabia. Course objectives are reviewed, a tool for identifying the training needs of trainers is discussed, and training development guidelines are described. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of the development of school policies for media education focuses on experiences in Scottish secondary schools. Theoretical approaches, curriculum models, and teaching practices are reviewed, the interdisciplinary nature of media studies is discussed, and implications for schools adding media studies to the curriculum are described.…

Reviews the role of a public school media specialist and suggests resources for further reading in various areas. Highlights include the instructional role; levels of instructional involvement; the role of school libraries; teaching information skills; and the evaluation process, including evaluation of instructional systems, student performance,…

Presents American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages guidelines, intended to serve a program development function, for the preservice preparation of foreign language teachers, focusing on the areas of personal, professional, and specialist development; communication skills; acquisition; leadership; child development; curriculum…

This article highlights the importance of librarians joining the secondary school instructional planning process at the curriculum development stage and demonstrates how librarians and teachers can jointly plan instructional programs. Discussion covers implementation of guidelines, curriculum involvement, and six challenges. Fifty-eight references…