Discusses the implementation of a theory of early introduction of research themes as a method for motivating students to study the fundamentals of chemistry at the University of South Dakota. Notes the cost and benefits of this approach and assesses its immediate impact by virtue of student surveys. (LZ)

This survey examined experiences and beliefs regarding homework of primary-grade children (n=809), of whom 91 were in resource room programs and 17 in special education classrooms. Overall, results indicated that children in the resource rooms were experiencing the greatest amount of difficulty in doing homework and had acquired the most negative…

The development of a positive relationship between a teacher and a sixth grader with a learning disability (LD) is described, based on interviews and observations over a school year. Insights that the teacher developed into education of LD students, based on the student's attitudes, family relationships, and earlier experiences, are offered. (SW)

New evidence shows the lifelong value of parents' involvement in their children's education. The article provides guidelines for parents, then details the lifelong benefits of parent involvement, highlighting the benefits at each educational level. Methods of promoting family-school partnerships are presented. (SM)

The past few decades have brought dramatic changes in family structure. Regardless of the configuration, a family should have certain basic characteristics in order for children to lead healthy, happy, and successful lives. Those characteristics include family involvement in school, community, and children's extracurricular activities, open…

A tear-out folder for teachers creates a working reference file on student motivation. The file includes a glossary and explanations of what holds students' attention, how to motivate students, and how to evaluate the classroom environment to determine how the teacher's words and the classroom atmosphere affect student motivation. (SM)

Identifying key concepts and making those concepts meaningful is critical in constructing a preschool curriculum. Establishing national standards for content in early childhood education may help guide teachers in constructing curriculum, but teachers must know each child and the total group to turn specified standards for content into meaningful…

In Oklahoma, specialists in mathematics and communications show vocational teachers how to emphasize academic content within their technical area. The program maintains a balance between theoretical and practical teaching so that graduates are prepared for the working world. (JOW)

The I CAN (Independence, Completion, Accuracy, and Neatness) program is a motivational tool for elementary grade students with learning disabilities. Each student contracts for specific achievements in the four program areas, and parents and teachers contract for specific rewards. Daily review of goals as well as daily documentation of progress…

Proposes the science show as a means to increase science awareness and interest among middle school students to increase future student enrollment and interest in high school science. Provides eight steps to help ensure a successful program. (MDH)

Describes an instructional design model for hypertext, the Explorer's Hypertext Story Model, which is structured around components based on a story or narrative structure. Topics discussed include learner motivation; navigation in hypertext; learner control; and the importance of understanding information in context. (34 references) (LRW)

A summary of B.F. Skinner's work presents background information and examples of the great amount of misinformation about the work. The article discusses areas in which Skinner made major contributions to education (consequences, A-B-C analysis, rate of response, explanatory fictions, verbal behavior, programed instruction, social criticism, and…

Describes how one kindergarten teacher integrates beginning writing into dramatic play by including writing ideas and tools within varying themes in the housekeeping corner. Writing activities in the play corner, which has a new theme each month, are described, and examples of children's writing are provided. (SM)

Using video-recorded class activities, analyzes the teaching method used in a French grammar lesson given in Northern France to a class of 25 students of 6-7 years old. The "catechistic teaching style" employed involves an interactive question-and-answer format. Enumerates advantages and disadvantages of this style. (KS)

A public television series "Futures," hosted by Jaime Escalante, a Hispanic American math teacher, increases student interest in mathematics and science by showing how math is applied in real life. The series has been well received by American Indian students and is part of a career introduction program at a Menominee secondary school in Keshena,…