Reviews the research on computer use in English language arts, predominantly writing, since 1987. Highlights include writing-process theory; learner control theory; zone of proximal development; word processing; composing process software; the Writing to Read program; and future research and directions. Contains 93 references. (Author/LRW)

Prepared as part of a series applying recent research in oral and written communication instruction to classroom practice, this booklet deals with the integrated language arts curriculum. Noting the disparity between what is advocated for and what is practiced in language arts teaching, the first section of the booklet describes an integrated…

A literature review was conducted in an effort to locate programs that could improve opportunities for learning for middle graders, and particularly educationally disadvantaged middle graders. Of the more than 200 programs that were reviewed, about 80 were identified as having promising components for middle grades educators. Section I discusses…

Discusses the role of schools and school systems in dealing with students on an individual basis. Reviews the literature on individualized literacy instruction, learning patterns, contexts for learning, and the creation of settings. (SKC)

This updated second edition reflects developments in educational research and new information within the areas of language learning and instruction since the publication of the first edition in 1991. Its 75 essays assess the significance of research, evaluates new developments, and examines current conflicts, controversies, and issues, while…

Reviews the research literature on Writing to Read (WTR), a computer-based language arts program designed to help kindergarten and first grade students develop reading and writing skills. Limitations of the evaluation reports, research projects, and specialized applications of WTR are reviewed, and problems in research design and methodology are…

This research was an exploratory study of which teachers, students, and teacher-student combinations benefit most from a particular aspect of computer-assisted instruction. The study is based on teacher and student evaluations of different teaching styles while using instructional software. Three teaching styles (monitoring, coordinating, and…

The Canadian cultural focus of contemporary education in Canada is examined, with particular emphasis on language arts, literature, and social studies. Conclusions of the first two chapters are that language arts instructional materials frequently present powerful American and British (and only occasionally Canadian) themes; many reading series,…

A meta analysis of 93 research reports on school desegregation and black achievement was conducted to determine (1) why the study results differed as to apparent desegregation effects; and (2) whether some desegregation plans produced greater achievement gains than others. An analysis indicated that inconsistencies in research findings were mainly…

Intended for teachers, this collection of articles on testing in the English language arts contains the following titles: "What Do Test Scores 'Really' Mean in Educational Policy?" by George F. Madaus; "Testing and Literacy: A Contradiction in Terms?" by Marilyn Wilson; "Throwing in the TOWL," by Mary Jane Curry; "Taking the Authority Figure Out…

The collection of articles in this volume provides a review of research and scholarly work in the field of education that has been undertaken in Australia during the past 30 years. Part 1, "Background Perspectives," includes (1) "Social Context of Education" (Kevin Majoribanks); (2) "Politics of Education" (Grant…

Reviews the research illustrating the wide-ranging benefits of open-ended computer programs such as LOGO. Considers the ways in which these programs develop young children's subject-matter knowledge and problem-solving and socioemotional competencies. (BB)

Examines the role of education in creating unjust gender arrangements in society through language policies and the discursive practices that it legitimates. Because these practices are in areas in which schools take responsibility, they are open to changes in educational policy. Recommendations are made for change. (SLD)

Describes the use of mapping and portfolio assessment by school library media specialists to document changes in student reading, writing, and information use patterns. Topics discussed include new curriculum designs in language arts and social studies; information literacy; comparing earlier and later work; and student reflection. (Contains 37…

Recent research into the composing processes of children owes much to Piaget's postulate that cognitive development is linear--that children progress through stages of development whereby tasks are mastered at certain levels of cognitive understanding. The stages of children's writing processes (prewriting, composing, revising), as well as…