Search

Six children enrolled in a 'Kindergarten for Children with Special Needs' were the subject of a 3-month study of behavioral techniques applied to children's problem behavior through the training of parents. The children were rated as hyperactive and immature with various emotional, social, and physical problems. The study worked with the children in their natural environment (homes) and attempted to bring about change in their behavior through parental involvement. The improvement shown by the children suggested the advantage and need of early intervention in families of deviant children. (Author)

The depth and range of the corpus of written Chinese symbols used by 9-year-old Hong Kong children were studied in order to compile a minimum written Chinese vocabulary list. Error patterns of children were also analyzed. After presenting some characteristics of the language and reviewing previous studies, the methodology was described. The sample size ranged from 407 to 461 children who were matched for age, sex, and academic performance. The 1,851 different symbols or characters compiled from survey returns were incorporated into 30 prose passages of 100 characters each (with about 40 percent recurring characters) and recorded on tape. Taped explanations of the passage content preceded three repetitions of the passage during which the children listened, transcribed, and reviewed. From the accumulation of correct and incorrect responses, a facility index was derived for each of the 1,851 characters. It was concluded (1) that 719 characters were reproduced by at least 70 percent of the children and should be regarded as the minimum core of written vocabulary at this level and (2) that the mean number of strokes for characters of median difficulty was 14. Further research in auditory reception of language and encoding of the symbols received is recommended. References are included. (CL)

To develop a taxonomy of vocational-industrial education objectives which would provide a framework or structure for evaluating and comparing existing programs, and be useful in eventually establishing criteria for the design and development of a radically different comprehensive curriculum, a project was undertaken to apply a taxonomic scheme to the problems of vocational education curriculum, methods, and objectives. Educational objectives were classified in a 36 cell, three dimensional matrix according to Fine's functional job analysis scheme, used in the "Dictionary of Occupational Titles." As a result of a pilot effort, it was found that: (1) The background and training of the raters does not affect their ability to apply the taxonomy, (2) The taxonomy is equally applicable to any vocational course, and (3) The taxonomy provided a relatively concise framework for ordering almost 20 disparate objectives. The final phase of the research was designed to demonstrate that the taxonomy could be used profitably to describe, analyze, and compare the existing vocational-industrial education curricula of two high schools. Data collected by interview resulted in the conclusion that the taxonomy system can be of considerable value in preparing objectives and developing curriculums. Its usefulness in analyzing and evaluating current programs is limited. (DM)

Rules were established, improved behavior was rewarded, and undesirable behavior was ignored to change disruptive classroom behavior of 25 slow learning 10-year-olds and 13 controls in a classroom setting. Experimental teachers were instructed in application of behavior modification principles. Burk's Behaviour Rating Scale (included) was used to pinpoint target behavior of Ss, and parents were surveyed to obtain information on behavior of slow learners during the experimental period. Four rules established with student participation included putting up hands to talk, staying at desks to work quietly, refraining from interrupting the teacher, and refraining from interrupting the class. Reinforcement was in the form of free time during the last period of the school day. Data showed a significant decline in the recorded means of unacceptable behaviors for both groups during the experimental period, but the control group mean was significantly lower according to both pretest and posttest data. (Author/MC)

Eighteen children (12- to 15-years-old) with learning disabilities and behavioral problems were assessed to determine the effect of desk calculators on student achievement, attitude, and behavior. The Ss, whose IQs ranged from 68 to 116, used four calculators in a mathematics class to check answers of mathematics problems for 6 months. Comparison of pretest and posttest data showed significant increases in student interest and positive attitudes towards mathematics, and reduction in disruptive behavior. (Author/MC)

Based on a paper presented at the International Reading Association's Fifteenth Annual Convention in May 1970, in Anaheim, California. (DS)

The literature review summarizes the approaches used in early attempts at training and educating the mentally retarded and discusses appropriate goals for their education. (KW)

An awareness of alternative societal trends and future university structures can stimulate new ideas on specific programs and can illuminate the potential profound significance in the redirection of engineering education. (DF)