The use of information and communication technology (ICT) is revolutionizing traditional educational methods in university contexts and changing the process of how educators do their jobs. However, research offers conflicting views regarding the benefits of ICT in the classroom. To better understand the various advantages and disadvantages of…

The purpose of this article is to provide a brief background about the educational system in the United Arab Emirates and particularly describe the present types of programs and services offered within the country with respect to individuals with special needs. In addition, findings of an ongoing study about the attitudes of teachers and…

Despite common moves in a number of countries to raise the quality and visibility of early childhood services (for example, through the introduction of curricular frameworks), both professionalisation policies and understandings of the professional role remain distinctly variegated across Europe and beyond. Whereas early childhood systems with…

Current research on direct instruction is reviewed with a particular emphasis on studies of instructional design and technology and research on effective staff development. Among conclusions was that the same instructional variables affecting learner performance with traditional materials affect learning with computer-assisted instruction and…

Presents family paper sculpture, a way to illustrate and actively draw students into exploration of family systems theory concepts such as membership, subsystems, flow of information and activity, hierarchy, personal influences, and adaptation. Analyzes data from over 500 university students. (Author)

Describes an audiovisual literacy educational method (Fotomontaje), based on the consciousness-raising technique of Paulo Freire called "conscientization," used in Lima, Peru, slum communities to develop social consciousness and commitment to social justice. Questions using consciousness-raising for such participants and suggests…

This study compared effects of two approaches to hands-on science, supported inquiry science (SIS) and activity-based science, in six urban and two suburban fourth-grade general education classrooms involving 172 students, 33 of whom had learning disabilities (LD). The study found that students with and without LD demonstrated greater concept…

Reiterates the oft-heard complaint that social studies instruction relies too heavily on textbooks and lectures resulting in disinterested and alienated students. Recommends social studies adopt more experiential and constructivist teaching methods (role playing, educational games, student projects) and utilize multimedia and the Internet. (MJP)

Discusses four educational methods designed to deal with the risk of kindergarten failure. Methods include increased provision of prekindergarten programs; adoption of a later school entrance age; a developmental placement system; and a continuous progress plan with multi-age groupings. (BB)

Drawing on theoretical and practical sources, the paper develops four basic principles of teaching in the reading/language arts and discusses how these apply to the selection and effective use of computer assisted instruction (CAI). CAI is seen as an integral part of a broad based instructional program. (Author/DB)

This paper first examines specific challenges faced by learners using integrated media, including the cognitive challenges of navigation and focused attention. The paper then examines pedagogical opportunities of integrated media in the following areas: (1) developing vocabulary and reading comprehension; (2) anchoring instruction in meaningful…

National trends and issues that concern gifted education are considered, focusing on the relationships among regular education, early childhood education, and education of young children who are gifted. Specific topics include: whole language and emergent literacy, whole group instruction and flexible grouping, cooperative learning, and…

This article addresses the parent's role in the life of the infant and young child with motor impairments, in the context of the conductive education approach. Critically important are recognizing and responding to the infant's efforts at communication, enlivening the child's zone of proximal development through games and music, and seeing the…

A survey of 100 preservice teachers in a public teacher training institution in California examined their educational values and beliefs regarding what schools are for. Results indicated that progressive and liberal beliefs were dominant, though those beliefs were not the real emphases within public schools, where practices tended to be guided by…

This article describes conductive education for children with neuromotor disabilities and identifies its major concepts, including orthofunction, rhythmic intention, and verbal regulation. Also addressed are the role of the conductor and the group and the training of conductors at the Peto Institute in Hungary. Research on the method's…