This manuscript on instruction in English shows the changes that have come over this subject during the past 40 years particularly, describes the condition in which it now is, and makes suggestions for further study. It finds a good deal of uncertainty in the matter of formal study of grammar. Emphasis varies. Some courses of study enumerate 45…

Patterns of speech from lower socioeconomic status mothers to their infants were analyzed to determine correlations with infant risk of mental retardation. Measures of maternal language included sentence form, amount of speech, and syntactic complexity. The proportion of imperatives was positively correlated with risk status and negatively…

Two studies, one quantitative and another qualitative, of learning style preferences of physical education majors are reviewed. The quantitative study investigated variation in relation to gender, age, and ethnicity and how preferences compared to those found in other disciplines. The qualitative study identified common themes in student…

Compares language patterns in two moderately aphasic adults over age 60 with left hemisphere damage, using measures of lexical richness (word frequency). Argues for the usefulness of evaluating patients on conversational speech and the role of extensive linguistic analysis in prognosis and therapy. The discussion considers both qualitative and…

A study of Israeli university engineering students (n=85) and education students (n=87) measured their motivated learning strategies and assessment preferences. Results showed individual differences in assessment preferences overshadowed discipline group differences, and assessment preference differences were largely related to learning strategies…

Discusses studies that investigated the impact of the Web on student learning and compared Web-based with traditional courses. Focuses on individual differences, including gender differences and generational differences; instructional design, including interaction and electronic learning communities; and skills that are enhanced by online…

Examines how allowing Grade 3 students to demonstrate their understanding of science concepts through a variety of responses enables them to use different learning styles or intelligences. Presents examples of the kinds of work used to assess student understanding, including writing-to-learn activities, acrostic poetry, graphic organizers, such as…

Followed development of children at family risk for dyslexia from 3 years to 8 years. Found that 66 percent of high-risk group had reading disabilities at age 8 compared with only 13 percent in a control group. However, family risk of dyslexia was continuous. Interpreted findings within a model in which problems in establishing a phonological…

Examines evidence offered to support the idea of a sensitive period for second language acquisition. Findings indicate that there is insufficient evidence to accept the claim that mastery of a second language is determined wholly, or even primarily, by maturational factors. (34 references) (Author/CK)

This study classified the characteristics of 103 at-risk first grade children and their classroom environments over a one- to four-year period. Found that individual seatwork as an instructional arrangement increased the risk of special placement, whereas small group work was associated with nonplacement for children with possible learning…

Focuses upon higher education for women during the past century and examines the social and educational problems which must be resolved if equal educational opportunity for women is to be achieved in the coming century. Identifies economic support; development of role models; and nurturing of self confidence as areas of concern. (KO)

This article describes "A World of Difference" (AWOD), a community and school program developed by the Anti-Defamation League of B'Nai B'Rith to celebrate diversity and to combat prejudiced beliefs and behaviors. AWOD unites the corporate sector, the civil rights and education communities, and the media in a multipronged campaign to…

Reports on a study of the effects of culture, gender, and age on interpersonal distance, body orientation, and touch among 381 same-sex and mixed-sex dyads in 7 nations. Finds that more touch was observed among Italian and Greek dyads than among English, French, and Dutch dyads. (CFR)

Reports on a longitudinal study on the effects of students' early linguistic development and family background on test performance when the students reach the end of their compulsory schooling years. Finds a considerable degree of continuity between early language development and later examination performance. (CFR)