Intended for teachers, this monograph encourages readers to consider the notion that thinking critically is a matter of reading signs, that it is the function of signs that makes reflective thinking possible. The book contains the following chapters: (1) "Beyond a Literal Reading"; (2) "Current Thinking on Critical Thinking";…

Some basic concepts of the one-parameter logistic latent-trait model, or the Rasch model, are presented. This model assumes that the probability of a correct answer to an item is a function of two parameters, one representing the difficulty of the item and one representing the ability of the subject. The purpose of this paper is to explain a…

The report briefly reviews research on the concepts of attention, memory, and linguistic deficits, as well as maturational lag and interactive factors; and considers possible implications for assessment and instruction of reading disabled/dyslexic children. Early theories relating to dyslexia or specific reading disability are traced from S.…

Explores the three broad thrusts of literature curricula, noting that no test can cover all three. Discusses how the content and objectives of the literature curriculum can be specified and how test questions can be developed for the evaluation of literature comprehension. (HTH)

Reviews the use of the ERIC index term "Reader Text Relationship" with a view to deriving a tentative definition of the term. (FL)

Focuses on keys to managing a mastery learning model of instruction. (AEA)

Presents annotations of nine journal articles, monographs, and "learning packages" (published between 1989 and 1993) that examine teaching approaches founded upon the insights of reader response theory. (RS)

The evolving role of work in society and the factors driving emerging trends in work were examined to assist career development practitioners in helping individuals deal with life-role balance. Donald Super's life-space theory was presented as a framework for adult career development and used as a backdrop for discussing how adults can crystallize…

Capstones are culminating experiences in which students synthesize subject-matter knowledge they have acquired, integrate cross-disciplinary knowledge, and connect theory and application in preparation for entry into a career. Capstone courses should be both a synthesis and a bridge to students' future after graduation. In career and technical…

Research has shown a decline in motivation and performance for many children as they move from elementary school into middle school; however, research has also shown that the nature of motivational change on entry to middle school depends on characteristics of the learning environment in which students find themselves. This Digest outlines some…

This report examines the necessity for holistic learning--the integration of intellectual, social, and emotional aspects of learning at the undergraduate level. It reviews and evaluates research findings, theoretical models, and the relationship and interdependency of these developmental areas. An introductory chapter considers the increasing…

This state-of-the-art review explores types of foreign language (FL) programs, the rationale for early FL study, research evidence, program development, evaluation issues, and areas for further development. Chapter 1 outlines the various types of early FL programs that have been implemented, such as foreign language experience (FLEX) programs,…

Various researchers, including Carl Jung, Charlotte Buhler, Erik Erikson, and Robert Havighurst, have formulated sequential models of adult development. More recent investigators, such as Daniel Levinson, Roger Gould, and Gail Sheehy have formulated age-related sequential models of adult development that view the various stages of adulthood in…

Adult educators are recognizing that factors in the learning environment related to psychological, social, and cultural conditions exert a powerful influence on learners' growth and development. Current discussions on learning environments have broadened to include the need to confront issues of sexism and racism, interlocking systems of power and…

Multiculturalism has been defined as the fourth force in psychology, one which complements the psychodynamic, behavioral, and humanistic explanations of human behavior. Pederson's (1991) definition of multiculturalism leads to the inclusion of a large number of variables making multiculturalism generic to all counseling relationships. Locke (1990)…