Reviews ERIC materials dealing with relative and absolute definitions of literacy. (FL)

Noting that new technologies are resulting in extensive changes in the field of photojournalism, both as it is practiced and taught, this Digest reviews this rapidly evolving field of education and professional practice. It discusses what digital photography is; the history of digital photography; how digital photography has changed…

In his influential book "Scholarship Reconsidered: Priorities of the Professoriate," Ernest Boyer (1990) proposed that the definition of scholarship be broadened beyond the emphasis on discovery to encompass the scholarships of integration, application, and teaching. A report by the Association for the Study of Higher Education and the…

In his influential book "Scholarship Reconsidered: Priorities of the Professoriate," Ernest Boyer (1990) proposed that the definition of scholarship be broadened beyond the predominant emphasis on the scholarship of discovery to encompass the scholarships of integration, application, and teaching. The scholarly discussion related to…

Summarizes the findings of research studies of faculty perceptions of themselves, their role, and their working conditions, focusing on instructors' desire for more time, more interaction with their colleagues, better professional development opportunities, improved support services, better students, and improved media and materials. (AYC)

Reports on ERIC documents that review research on spelling and that suggest practical activities for spelling instruction. (HOD)

Argues that there is evidence documenting the need for improvement of university and community college instruction in critical reading and thinking. Describes programs offered to improve such skills. Argues that universities and colleges need to strike a balance between the skills approach and the more general contextual approach. (RS)

Good classroom management not only increases the amount of time students spend in learning but also reduces the time teachers spend supervising routine activities and helps to prevent discipline problems. Recent research on effective management practices suggests that the following factors are particularly important: (1) planning; (2) routines and…

The five studies reviewed in this brief publication examine the scope of current research on service learning and its effects on participants. An introduction defines service learning as "an instructional practice in which students perform service as a way of complementing the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom." Titles and authors of…

Argues that strategic reading suggests purpose and intentionality on the part of the reader, which is different from a seemingly reflexive response where skills are concerned or where intuition reveals an answer. Argues that teachers can increase strategic thinking by providing demonstrations of strategies and offering incentives to readers. (RS)

Development of numerous materials projects and programs is a continuing characteristics of environmental education. Most have been modest, local in scope, and short-lived. But in recent years many have become more ambitious, substantive, and sophisticated, more effectively designed and better positioned to make significant educational impacts on…

This ERIC Short Report attempts to summarize the main points of "Motivation Theory," as described by Drs. Edward L. Deci and Richard M. Ryan of the University of Rochester in their paper, "Curiosity and Self-Directed Learning: The Role of Motivation in Education.""Motivation theory" research explores reasons for…

A definition of bibliotherapy, who should conduct it, when and how it can be used, and some limitations are briefly addressed. Identification, catharsis, and insight are described as the three processes taking place in bibliotherapy. A list of techniques for accurately determining the needs of students, basic procedures in conducting…

In a contract grading system, the instructor defines the performance required for each grade, the student defines the performance level to which he or she will work, and signs a contract in which the instructor is committed to awarding this predetermined grade if the student attains the appropriate performance level. This paper is based on a…

Most principals are aware that the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 makes it mandatory for school leaders who depend on federal funding to select and implement programs that are based on scientific research. This publication reviews five documents that offer insights into what is meant by scientifically based research and help school leaders…