Explored how older people think higher education programs should be designed to meet their needs. Findings suggested that older people prefer existing college curricula, age-integrated and group structured education. (Author/RC)

Evidence clearly suggests that social competence and social adjustment are areas in which educable mentally retarded students may profit most from self-contained class placement, while the relative effects of self-contained versus mainstreamed environments on achievement remains equivocal. (Author)

In this ethnographic study, four context variables emerged as having importance for teacher behavior: lesson type (new material, continuing topic, review); subject matter; size of instructional group (whole class, small group, individual); and time of day or week. Teacher behavior categories analyzed were: diagnostician, designer, facilitator,…

The "class trap" is defined as the problems which can arise when all students in the class are required to progress at the same rate. To illustrate this concept, a case study is presented of arithmetic instruction in a single class, then strategies to avoid the trap are outlined. (SJL)

In a small secondary school in rural Georgia, this study sought to identify sample classrooms perceived by students and teachers as varying substantially in environmental robustness and to observe these classrooms to describe and contrast their structural features. Identified characteristics of high- and low-robustness classrooms are listed and…

Defines practice of looping teachers and describes its history in American education. Details a looping project instituted in a middle school, including the initial planning, customization of instruction, and structure of classroom instruction. Evaluates the looping process by presenting advantages and disadvantages encountered, and offers…

Focuses on the use of technology to assist students in composing and improvising music. Discusses the benefits of composing using computer software; addresses types of tools that can be used; explores different teaching strategies for teachers to utilize; and describes the organization of the music classroom. (CMK)

Presents a checklist for evaluating physical education settings which include students with special needs. The checklist has questions about facilities, equipment, class organization, content, and teacher behavior. "Yes" answers indicate factors contributing to a safe environment; "no" answers indicate the potential to cause physical,…

Based on the premise that education is an open system interdependent with its environment, the University of Puerto Rico's Partnership Project with Schools is a cooperative program to improve public education by changing school practice. A collaborative seminar identified target areas: exploration of students' potential and difficulties, teacher…

Synthesized are the results of five qualitative investigations of high school science classrooms in Western Australia and in the state of Georgia. Gender differences were observed in each study and teachers were not aware of their occurrence. (Author/YP)

Expresses concern that students need to be exposed to many musical options. Reports on a study of 242 high school students in select and nonselect choral ensembles. Finds that both groups prefer popular music over other genres and that nonselect choir members rated country music higher than select choir members did. (CFR)

Curriculum-based measurement (CBM) is recommended as an efficient, objective, flexible, and reliable way to compose ability-based instructional groups in both regular and special education settings. Steps for using CBM and specific applications for grouping in reading and mathematics instruction are offered. (DB)

A national survey of teachers serving students with serious emotional disturbances, with 191 respondents, sought to identify the nature of education programs for such students. Program types cited most frequently were mainstreaming and use of an environmental classroom structure. School demographics and teacher characteristics were also examined.…

Presents a seven-step strategy to help teachers improve feedback effectiveness and provide more individual attention in large classes. The strategy considers the learner, the skill being practiced, and environmental factors. The teacher must observe performance, analyze the action and/or outcome of the response, and communicate directly with the…

This study found that, on average, signed messages sent by teachers and students in a school for the deaf were seen less than half the time by the deaf students; students frequently engaged in collateral conversations. Intervention strategies call for changes in teaching techniques, classroom layout, and the use of computer-communication…