The paper highlights motivation itself as a problem, suggests times when correction of the motivation problem should be the initial focus of intervention, and describes a framework and specific procedures for enhancing positive motivation and reducing avoidance as key aspects of correcting students' learning and behavior problems. (Author/MC)

The paper on learning disability (LD) definition and subtypes considers the nature of the definition and differentiation problems, the importance of placing and keeping LD in perspective vis a vis other learning problems, and future development of a LD classification schema using dimensions of cause, severity, pervasiveness, and chronicity.…

The tendency toward overly positive self-evaluative statements of students with learning and behavior problems was analyzed with 19 such students (aged 9.6 to 15.2 years). Findings supported an interpretation of such statements as a form of self-protective behavior, rather than the inability to make accurate self-evaluative judgments. (Author/DB

The future of the learning disability field should include: an expanded focus on adolescents and adults; broader models for understanding behavior and learning; going beyond concepts of diagnosis, treatment, remediation, and individualized instruction; expansion of views of basic skills; and interventions that focus on more than changing people.…

Basic changes needed to recruit, train, and retain high quality professionals in the field of learning disabilities include: improving education's professional image; explicit articulation of program rationales, content, and processes; and political lobbying for improved public support. (Author/DB)

Issues and needs identified in a 1984 survey of professionals in the field of learning disabilities are summarized and grouped as follows: (1) theory and research; (2) practice and related applied research (subtyping, differential programming, intervention focus, efficacy, and prevention/early intervention); (3) training (including categorical…

Findings from 85 respondents to a survey of fundamental concerns in the field are discussed, first in terms of several overriding considerations; then, specific issues and problems associated with theory, research, practice, training, and field and policy activity are explored. Respondents underscored the link between improving the quality of…

In agreement with Coles (EC 220 146), the article comments on the poor quality of research in the learning disability field, and Coles'"interactivity" theory as an alternative to the neurological-deficit theory which is applied to the problem of classification, intervention, and a societal approach. (DB)

The study investigated the degree to which a highly motivating computer game learning task could improve the differential diagnosis of adolescent students (N=23) with learning disabilities. Results suggest that a large proportion of students diagnosed as learning disabled are able to learn effectively when highly motivated. (Author/DB)

A telephone helpline in California designed to answer questions about learning problems and provide resources and referrals produced a dramatic increase in calls since its beginning. Such a system can be of further help by analyzing community information needs, preparing resource material, and providing training to professionals. (CL)

The practice of posthumously diagnosing historical figures is discussed. Emphasis is on the unsatisfactory nature of evidence found for those diagnosed as learning-disabled or dyslexic and the possibility of other explanations for identified problems. Posthumous diagnoses of Auguste Rodin, George Patton, Thomas Edison, Woodrow Wilson, and Albert…

Two studies--one involving 59 nonproblem elementary age children and the other involving 77 learning and behavior problem children (7 to 16 years old)--focusing on differential effects of strategies to enhance motivation are reported. (Author/SB)