Part of a series of investigations undertaken at the University of Leiden by Dr. G. A. Kohnstamm to investigate how children process information from audiovisual media, particularly television, this literature review maps out the educational possibilities of television for children up to the age of 12. Research findings reviewed are concerned…

Evaluated were the effects of music therapy sessions on the behavior of approximately 300 moderately retarded, physically handicapped and multiply handicapped students. Data on attentive behavior and disruptive behavior were recorded by 37 special education teachers, 25 instructional aides and one principal who were trained to observe and record…

The attending development module of the Early Education-Special Education Teacher Preparation Program at the University of Virginia deals with various aspects of attention in young children. Areas covered include: (1) developmental aspects of attention; (2) gaining and maintaining attention; (3) motivation and attention; (4) cognitive styles and…

To identify variables which inhibit social and academic adjustment, 42 kindergarten students were studied longitudinally by means of parent interviews, observation, tests, and anecdotal records. The IQ score for the group remained normal to slightly above over the 8-year period, but individual scores tended to vary more with increased age.…

Tasks involved in paired associate learning (attention, perceptual learning, visual and auditory memory, response learning, and stimulus-response connections) are identified as some of the same skills and strategies involved in learning to read. Two studies on visual memory, the developmental lag hypothesis, and reading ability are examined to…

This illustrated booklet describes research procedures in the Infant Laboratory of the Educational Testing Service to investigate measurable factors in infant behavior which can predict intellectual potential. The research is currently focusing on attending, the manner in which infants respond to various stimuli presented to them during their…

A survey of research indicates that a high correlation exists between the attending behavior of beginning readers and their ability to learn to read. Level of attention can be associated with ability to ignore unrelated stimuli, interest in the reading material, perceptual problems, and the sex of the reader. It is suggested that sex differences…

Room management is described as a behavioral strategy developed in Great Britain and designed to increase the percentage of time that handicapped children are engaged in independent, constructive activity. Used with severely multiply handicapped children, least responsive children were unlikely to be engaged unless receiving individual attention.…

Examines the engaged rates of children in kindergarten to fourth grade for differences and makes some assessment of attention span as it relates to engaged rate and achievement. (HOD)

How students' ability group assignments affect their attention spans is examined. Data were gathered from videotaped lessons of first-grade reading groups. Assignment to a low-ability group had a strong negative effect on student attentiveness, suggesting that classroom factors are important in shaping student behavior. (Author/IS)

Provides most recent information on attention deficit disorder including: (1) diagnostic considerations according to the latest behavioral criteria and breakthroughs using neurometric EEG assessment; (2) prevalence; (3) etiologies; (4) neurological basis; and (5) treatments. Evaluates alternatives to medication, behavior modification, cognitive…

This article discusses the interaction of infant social and cognitive development, and presents preliminary findings from a longitudinal study of infants with and without Down syndrome. Evidence suggests that the development of triadic (person-person-world) social interactions may be affected by limited information processing capacities in infants…

Compared the effects of using various computer software programs on the attending behavior of children with attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD). Found that the attention of ADHD children increased while they used software with a game format when animation was not excessive. Other factors affecting nonattending behaviors included the…

Students (n=190) from a normal primary school in New Zealand were tested on sustained attention, reading ability, and classroom behavior measures. Results showed that the Continuous Performance Test, the Delay Task, and ratings on the Inattention factor on the Conners Teacher Rating Scale were significantly correlated with reading scores.…

Rather than decrying students' boredom and short attention span, principals should adjust schools accordingly. One's feelings about a learning situation determine the attention devoted to it. Secondary principals can help by keeping their schools violence-free, informing their teachers about emotional aspects of learning and teaching, working with…