This article examines some British classroom studies and raises further research questions on small group instruction (SGI) as a teaching tool. Considered are teachers' use of SGI; its efficacy for cognitive, language, and social development; and student-to-student interaction patterns in relation to seating, sex, and ability mix. (SJL)

The authors sought evidence of two basic elements of the "new" social studies programs: reliance on multimedia approaches and flexible grouping for specified tasks. Although some bright spots were evidenced, social studies in the typical middle-grade classrooms surveyed consisted of whole-class instruction with one basic text.…

The Learning Preference Scale-Students (LPSS) was developed with 1,643 Sydney, Australia, pupils. Internal consistency, test-retest stability, subscale intercorrelations, and factor analysis show that the LPSS has considerable promise as a valid and reliable instrument. Results showed clear and significant sex differences in preferences for grades…

This study analyzed the effectiveness of nursery schools and found that the education of young children can narrow the gap between intellectually disadvantaged and more advantaged children. Organization was found to be the key to effectiveness. (KC)

Presents guidelines for teachers in competency-based education settings to use in establishing and maintaining a system of classroom and individual student progress charts and records. Describes the development of an instructional materials file to help students become more responsible for obtaining the materials needed for each lesson. (LRA)

A ten-step approach is presented by which two teachers can implement their own team teaching arrangement. Advantages, disadvantages, planning, scheduling, and room design are considered. (SJL)

Described is a model for developing and implementing criterion-referenced instructional units. Advice concerning the development of units and tests as well as classroom organization and management are provided. (SD)

Discusses advantages of adjunct teaching responsibilities for librarians based on experiences of the Illinois chapter of the Special Libraries Association (SLA). Describes the class design, the focus on content, and teamwork skills; and considers the theory practice relationship, library education, and future challenges. (LRW)

Updates an earlier report to underscore the inadvisability of imposing large sections of freshman composition students on reluctant departments and to promote further discussion of the issues raised by the program. Discusses some of the more controversial implications raised by the program. (RS)

This paper reviews teaching strategies that may facilitate independent performance on the part of preschool children with disabilities. Among these are environmental arrangements (schedules, staff assignment, room arrangement); antecedent prompts (instructions, time, task); peer-mediated interventions; and consequent events. (Author/DB)

Identifies the need to resolve inconsistencies between the whole language teaching approach and school, district, or state grading and evaluation policies. Suggests attempting to bring the inconsistencies to light while also undertaking individual, group, and criteria comparison. Discusses data collection techniques which can help achieve these…

Considers the relationship between business studies and economics. States that economics is the foundation for business studies and that the abstract theories of economics have a place in the business studies syllabus. Provides an outline for a business studies syllabus. (GG)

All students must be as active as possible during physical education tournaments. Several activities that can keep students busy and learning during their down times include wall or court practice, written or skills tests, self-analysis from videotape, instructional videotape viewing, formally assessing opponents, and officiating another match.…

Ensuring healthy and happy classrooms requires being committed to students and acting in ways worthy of their respect; helping children improve their self-esteem; employing consistency, structure, and routine where appropriate; being clear and honest about expectations; offering students choices; allowing opportunities for all types of questions;…

Reports on the Ecole Moderne, a French educational reform movement that began in the 1920s that views technology as a tool. Through a review of the literature, interviews with leaders of the Freinet movement, and observations of Freinet classrooms in France, the impact of modern technology on the Ecole Moderne movement and implications for…