Provides three samples of assessment strategies to be used in conjunction with the "National Standards for Music Education" from the recently published, "Performance for Standards, Grades Pre-K12: Strategies and Benchmarks for Assessing Progress Towards the National Standards." The samples include assessments for grades K-4,…

Provides a mosaic of teachers' opinions on teaching literacy through social studies. All of the teachers interviewed felt a strong responsibility for improving their students' reading skills. Many of them revealed specific approaches and strategies for accomplishing this. (MJP)

Reports on an experiment in electronic mail and computer-assisted classroom discussion among 41 college-level French students. Describes the research design and the results as they relate to students' attitudes and motivation. Finds that local area networks seem to encourage discussion among students. (CFR)

In its first publication, "Helping Children Succeed," the Maine Aspirations Compact recommended strategies to help students raise their personal expectations, improve their academic performance, and expand their educational, career, and personal choices. This companion document presents a collection of successful efforts that are…

A 10-week practicum intervention was designed to improve second graders' spelling skills. A target group of five students who had exhibited difficulty in staying on-task and were performing a half-year below grade level was selected. Practicum goals were that 60 percent of target children would: (1) score at least 80 percent on spelling tests in…

This study attempted to evaluate the efficacy of time delay in increasing the academic response accuracy of moderately retarded adolescents. The time delay technique provided a means by which "cognitive organizers" could be taught to the students to mediate their behavior and improve academic performance. A modified multiple baseline…

This document describes the High Schools That Work (HSTW) program. HSTW, created by the Southern Regional Education Board, presents a school-reform design that encompasses goals, key practices, and key conditions for setting higher standards and accelerating learning. The HSTW model integrates college-preparatory studies with quality…

Outlines a series of strategies and approaches to increase undergraduate student participation. Strongly recommends the use of study questions (disseminated prior to the readings) and a classroom management style emphasizing participation and involvement rather than an immediate mastery of the material. Discusses the benefits and limitations of…

Provides a step-by-step process for designing effective and interesting simulations. Explains and gives examples for the four steps: defining teaching goals, constructing the simulation, running the simulation, and debriefing. Asserts that simulations develop critical thinking and other skills. Examines possible means of assessment. (MJP)

Argues that the fragmentary nature of mass media has made students suspicious of the traditional lecture format. Recommends that history teachers incorporate questions concerning source material and knowledge (e.g. How do I know this?) into their presentations. Suggests a number of activities and texts that can be used to involve students in…

Presents an interview with Walter Turnbull, founder and conductor of Boys Choir of Harlem (New York). Turnbull discusses the origins of the choir and the positive affects it has had on its many participants. He also discusses the role of music in arts education and the importance of the arts in the curriculum. (MJP)

Reports on a study that contrasted learning outcomes of students in a class that incorporated computer assisted instruction (CAI) exercises with those of a lecture-only class. Students in the lecture-plus CAI class scored higher than those in the lecture-only class, specifically regarding material covered in the class. (MJP)

Provides an overview of the recent research concerning the application, benefits, and deficiencies regarding critical-reading skills and college instruction. Discusses how reading skills support cognitive processes necessary for acquiring psychological knowledge. Delineates the differences between narrative (story-like, believable) reading and…

Reports on the impact of extra-credit assignments on the academic performance of marginal college-level students. Finds that those who attempted the assignments improved their test performance, were less likely to drop out of the class than a control group, and evaluated the experience positively. (CFR)

Defines musical improvisation as taking place when a musician's aural and technical facilities combine to create a spontaneous form of musical expression. Discusses the use of improvisation as a means of enhancing student interest and performance. Includes a six-step approach for teaching musical improvisation. (CFR)