Describes 11 spelling strategies for students with mild disabilities that enhance student motivation and can be used to reinforce existing spelling curriculums with no additional materials. Some of the modifications include stressing the relevance of spelling; implementing test-teach and test-correction methods; using an analogy strategy; and…

Presents ideas for tools useful for teaching writing in elementary school, such as carbon paper, stick-on flags, blank books, scissors, rulers, tape, stationery, postcards, card stands, clotheslines, and Polaroid cameras. Notes on materials dos and don'ts and special writing projects are included. (SM)

Notes that reforms in engineering education have caused a shift from the traditional stand-alone courses in technical communication for engineering students towards communication training integrated in courses and design projects that allows students to develop four levels of competence. Describes three formats for integrated communication…

Principles of educational interventions for students with attention deficit disorder (ADD) include: (1) giving complete and thorough directions; (2) individualizing in-class and homework assignments; (3) motivating students; (4) promoting active responding and monitoring understanding; (5) employing content enhancements; (6) offering learning…

Explores how positive approaches to reading benefit reluctant readers by connecting important psychological principles about adolescence. Notes that if educators get away from the notion that difficulties signal inadequacy, then they can share complementary strengths with reluctant readers. Suggests that labels harm reluctant readers at a time…

Provides motivational guidelines based upon cognitive and educational research. Emphasizes the role of the teacher as an active socialization agent providing opportunities for success, using positive introductions, offering helpful feedback, and giving students choices with responsibility. (MG)

Summarizes the philosophical background of cultural literacy. Argues that cultural literacy derives from an educational philosophy hostile to the needs of technical students. Concludes that reading and writing instruction should be personally relevant to technical students. (MM)

Creative ways to motivate students to read and report on books include having them retell the stories differently, invent products related to the stories, share snacks like those the characters ate, illustrate action from the story, write imaginary conversations between themselves and the characters, and turn the stories into short skits. (SM)

This article offers suggestions to British teachers working with students who are so discouraged that praise appears to have no effect. Available knowledge about positive instructional approaches, the misuse of praise, and the value of collaborative problem solving is reviewed. (DB)

Discusses the importance of children's literature in kindergarten math instruction, noting it is rich with opportunities for children to think and reason. The article explains how teachers can find math connections in children's books and then select books. It describes two books appropriate for literature-based math lessons. (SM)

Summarizes the implications of constructivism for instructional systems design in five principles that integrate the affective and cognitive domains of learning. Distinguishing characteristics of the two approaches are described based on a review of recent literature, and examples are offered that discuss learner controlled computer-based…

Parents play a critical role in the development of children's writing skills. Parents can help young students become writers by understanding how writing evolves, providing students with many opportunities for writing, modeling writing for the students, and providing a variety of materials for writing at home. (SM)

Discusses the use of interactive design principles for case materials. Topics discussed include the functions of case materials, including bridging theory and practice, problem solving, and motivation; the potential for interaction; considering instructional needs; elements of interaction, including responding, feedback, and branching; and levels…

Suggests that one of the reasons that schools are not as successful supporting the literacy development of Latina/o students is that school literacy, whether it be in Spanish or English, envisions forms of literacy that these students do not recognize. Notes that low academic achievement for many Latina/o students is not due to a lack of…

Praise is better than punishment as a motivator for children, but both are manipulative and often backfire. Real encouragement comes in the form of honest, caring concern without strings attached. The paper presents examples of how to encourage children successfully. (SM)