To determine the effects of teacher comments on spelling test papers, 32 randomly selected fourth- and sixth-grade teachers from low and high socioeconomic area Los Angeles elementary schools used 965 pupils in their regular classes as subjects. The teachers gave the regular weekly spelling test, and one of four evaluation treatments was randomly…

A research project sought to develop and demonstrate the use of a spelling program taught to sixth graders by computer-assisted instruction (CAI). Students from three schools were divided into low-, medium-, and high-ability spellers; the individuals at each level were then assigned to either an experimental or a control group. The former used the…

A mastery learning program called MTARSH (Multisensory Teaching Approach for Reading, Spelling, and Handwriting) was used with 282 remedial students and 144 nonremedial students in grades 1-6. Subsequent California Achievement Test scores in reading and spelling improved over baseline scores for students in both remedial and nonremedial classes.…

This report describes a program for developing literacy skills in order to reduce the number of at-risk students in the identified primary classrooms. The targeted population consisted of students in kindergarten, second, and fourth grades. The kindergarten and second grade classrooms were located in a middle to high socioeconomic area within an…

Describes study that examined the effects of combining word processors, spelling checkers, and spelling drill and practice programs to individualize spelling instruction for fifth- and sixth-grade students. Treatments for the experimental and control groups are explained, selection of software is discussed, and suggestions for software development…

Discusses the application of spelling research findings to the design of computerized instructional spelling programs. The need for individualization is stressed; lesson size, content, and time devoted to instruction discussed; three cognitive models with appropriate instructional strategies for each are presented; and further research needs are…

Examines the emergence of English writing among 31 kindergartners. Concludes that stages of writing development are similar in native and nonnative speakers. Suggests that the relationship between oral and written language is transactional, and that language transactions benefit nonnative English speakers. Also suggests that personality influences…

Examines the differences in the effectiveness of whole language and traditional instruction in end-of-the-year reading, writing, and spelling achievement for children with varying levels of incoming phonemic awareness, reading, and writing ability. Finds that neither program was more likely to close gaps between children high or low in these…

This packet contains an instructor guide and student workbook detailing 32 activities that hospital workers can use in a classroom setting to improve their vocabulary and spelling skills. The activities encompass the following: (1) different ways to look up words to spell them correctly; (2) pronunciation of words used around the workplace; (3)…

This materials guide, for regular and special education teachers of secondary students with learning disabilities, provides a list of instructional materials such as textbooks, workbooks, games, and duplicating masters. The guide contains descriptions of the materials and publishers' names and addresses. The materials and their descriptions are…

Activities and background information on Greek and Roman mythology are presented. The unit is designed for eighth graders, but many of the activities can be modified for other grade levels. The unit includes: (1) a content outline; (2) a list of instructional materials including suggested textbooks, teacher-prepared materials, and resource…

Children from rural backgrounds often struggle with the unfamiliar language and settings in basal reader selections, but the rich knowledge and experience that a rural child brings to the classroom is rarely reflected there. These papers describe a literature based program developed in the Washington Court House City Schools (Ohio) to teach…

Intended for use by teachers of kindergarten through grade 10, this curriculum guide is designed to make communication education an integral part of the school program. The philosophy of the guide focuses on the processes of analyzing, formulating a position, and organizing information or ideas into meaningful form, rather than solely on surface…

A creative visualization approach to spelling and word recognition has been tried successfully with both adults and children. Unlike the traditional phonic approach to spelling, which is a left brain, analytical approach, the creative visualization approach uses the right brain. In addition, the approach eliminates the unpleasant associations with…

This collection of abstracts is part of a continuing series providing information on recent doctoral dissertations. The seven titles deal with the following topics: (1) the effect of training college students in listening and notetaking skills on learning from lecture, (2) an enriched language arts curriculum for gifted primary school students,…