The language arts program presented in this volume evolved from work with at-risk students at an inner-city high school in Tucson (Arizona). The original computerized literacy program sponsored by International Business Machines, the Principle of the Alphabet Literacy System (PALS), was expanded into a comprehensive 3-year program designed to meet…

Ways to prepare and present lectures that hold college students' attention and involve them in the teaching-learning process are discussed. Attention is focused on linguistic, rhetorical, and psychological aspects of classroom communication; common communication problems in the classroom; and how to overcome and avoid communication problems.…

High school administrators are concerned about the contribution of student absenteeism to poor academic performance and the likelihood of dropping out. Administrators are faced with the difficult task of deciding which incentives will make regular school attendance more meaningful to students, and which penalties may make truancy and class cutting…

Intended for all teachers involved in writing instruction, this booklet serves as an inservice guide, focuses on writing as crafting and authoring, and examines components of instruction in writing as a process. The booklet discusses the following topics: (1) the public face of writing in schools, (2) the writing process, (3) the use of models for…

An intensive case study in learning a second foreign language, which is part of an applied linguistics course for teachers/teacher trainees offered at the University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa) is described. Attention is directed to: case study rationale and objectives; student orientation and preparation; and areas of focus and the…

Noting that individuals learn best through experiences freely chosen, this book is intended to help teachers create a community of independent learners in a classroom--showing how to let the curriculum and resources support rather than lead children's learning--and to demonstrate how to individualize each child's education. Chapter 1 introduces…

Describes a representative sample of recent research on the uses of microcomputer-based word processing in composition instruction. Topics discussed include revision strategies; collaborative writing; student attitudes and motivation; writing quality; implementation of word processing; problems; equity issues; and questions for future research.…

This collection of 15 essays is designed to help improve college instruction through reflection that results in better practice, to make teaching more student-centered, and to further a more connected view of teaching and learning. It includes: (1) "Why Scholarship Is the Bedrock of Good Teaching" (Maryellen Weimer); (2) "Teaching and Today's…

This paper discusses ways that teachers have found to integrate curriculum and make it more meaningful to students. A review of the literature reveals that teachers are exploring ways to provide developmentally appropriate curriculum and opportunities for children to learn in a more natural setting. Three approaches are examined: whole language,…

This book offers an overview and a context for understanding learning disabilities in a regular education setting. An initial section offers perspectives for understanding the nature and scope of learning problems and learning disabilities. An overview of intervention is then presented, exploring each phase of the process, the types of programs…

This brochure presents the teacher education standards adopted by Alaska's State Board of Education. The standards are as follows: (1) a teacher can describe the teacher's philosophy of education and demonstrate its relationship to the teacher's practice; (2) a teacher understands how students learn and develop and applies that knowledge in the…

"The Learning Contract," developed by the National Committee for Citizens in Education (NCCE), is described as a written agreement between parents, teachers, and a student in which all agree to do their best throughout the year to make the student's school experience positive and productive. Directions are given for developing and using…

This booklet focuses on reading motivation, especially on specific steps to motivate the middle school child to learn. The main topics explored are: finding or making time for reading for pleasure; filling or flooding the house with interesting reading materials; and reading as a way of life. Practical questions from parents are answered and…

The digest summarizes major characteristics of American Indian student needs in the disciplines of science and math and offers constructive ways in which students may be motivated for greater achievement. Motivational, attitudinal, and behavioral factors contributing to avoidance of science and math by American Indian students are identified:…

Ideas and activities for helping children attain success in school, in friendships and in sports are presented in this handbook for parents. The areas covered are: (1) developing a winning attitude; (2) increasing self-confidence; (3) improving reading skills; (4) gaining good study habits; (5) improving test-taking skills; (6) doing homework; (7)…