Advocates cooperative learning as an effective tool for reaching slow learners, by bridging the gaps between the learning styles of slow learners and the teaching requirements of the classroom, resulting in improved academic performance for both slow learners and high achievers. (SR)

This study compared the school performance of a sample of slow learners who qualified for special education as learning disabled with a sample of slow learners who did not qualify for special education. The intent of the study was to determine which group of slow learners was more successful in school in order to know if special education or…

Discusses a method to motivate low level students in which a reading specialist attended class regularly as a "student." By questioning the teacher, comparing notes with students, and acting as a role model, the reading specialist helped these students improve their grades, their class behavior, and increase their self-esteem. (GEA)

Investigation of the language-spatial lateralization of 76 intermediate grade right-handed regular education students found that "good" students had normal left hemisphere language and right hemisphere spatial lateralization but "poor" students had nonnormal lateralization. Academic problems and behavior problems were correlated with nonnormal…

Examines the direction of effects between slow-learning children and their families in three family types: (1) learning-oriented, high residential quality; (2) achievement-oriented, low residential quality; and (3) outer-directed, with little achievement orientation, taking into consideration child variables of adjustment and adaptive behavior.…

Former slow learners were tested as children and at the age of 30 years. Subjects who had further education and a number of family and personal problems during childhood improved their IQ scores by 18.1 points; those with no further education and one or no problems improved only 5.0 points. (RH)

The use of literature in a U.S. history class can revitalize the curriculum. The applicability of biographies, historical fiction, and contemporary fiction to history classes is discussed. A brief annotated list of appropriate sources, chronologically arranged for reluctant, average, and advanced readers, is included. (AM)

Suggests that investigation of contemporary problems be included in social studies/citizenship education programs and stresses the relevance of contemporary problems to social studies curricula for slow learners. Literature pertaining to citizenship education is reviewed, and research to determine effects of a study of contemporary issues on…

The study found that a computerized study guide was more effective than notetaking in increasing textbook comprehension with 18 remedial and 13 learning disabled ninth grade students in a world geography class. (DB)

The article considers issues concerning the mildly mentally retarded and those currently ineligible for special services due to changes in definition. Due to declining interest in these children, understanding of their learning/behavioral characteristics is limited and their educational needs are not being met. (DB)

This 3-year longitudinal study used hypermedia computer-assisted instruction (CAI) to provide individualized reading instruction for approximately 300 students in grades K-3. The software provided reading lessons in a hypermedia format designed as supplementary material for a basal reader series. The low ability subjects achieved significantly…

Questionnaire responses from 65 supervisors in human service agencies and interviews with 27 employers, supervisors, and vocational program administrators indicated that employees with moderate special needs (in this case specific learning disabilities and low intelligence) surpass others in several positive work habits. Supervisors valued…

The polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA-NCAM) has been implicated in activity-dependent synaptic remodeling and memory formation. Here, we questioned whether training-induced modulation of PSA-NCAM expression might be related to individual differences in spatial learning abilities. At 12 h posttraining, immunohistochemical analyses…

A survey of 200 student folders revealed that elementary school (ES) nonpromotion is primarily associated with low academic achievement and IQ, whereas junior high school (JHS) nonpromotion is mainly correlated to behavioral suspensions and absenteeism. Improved performance occurs in the year following an ES nonpromotion but not following a JHS…

Describes three experiments that tested autistic children's nonverbal and verbal categorization abilities. Concludes that autistic children do not suffer a specific cognitive deficit in ability to categorize and form abstract concepts. (HOD)