The structure and optimization of speechreading

Erber (1988) has claimed that one of the reasons for the ascendancy of hearing aids has been the loss of confidence in speechreading. Speechreading can be of value to those suffering from presbyacusis and other hearing disorders, in augmenting hearing aids and cochlear implants, for large numbers of people in developing countries who are unable to afford electronic aids, and for those in advanced countries who are reluctant to wear an aid. I discuss the structure and the optimization of speechreading. New methods to optimize natural speechreading skills are required that must be based on the structure and nature of speechreading. It has been suggested that speechreading is, to some extent, innate, and so 'hard-wired', which would mean that the effect of long-term training is limited. I critique this view and present a macro-analysis of the experimental literature. I suggest that the innate view may be somewhat overstated.     

Gifted Pupils as Sources of Inspiration in the Class?

Abstract

Hofset, A. (1971). Gifted Pupils as Sources of Inspiration in the Class? Scand. J. educ. Res. 15, 3, 137‐148. The purpose of the present investigation has been to test the reality of the statement that gifted pupils are a source of inspiration in their classes. To make it testable, we formulated the question thus: Is the school achievement better and the attitude towards school more positive in classes with many (4 or more) gifted pupils ( plus‐classes) than in classes with few (0 or 1, minus‐classes)? Our assumption was that a possible inspiring effect will reveal itself in achievement and/or attitudes. We also wanted to know whether the presence of gifted classmates will reduce the other pupils’ chances of being chosen as class leaders. Data from the primary grades 3, 5, and 7 were collected in 1963‐67. The total number of pupils was approximately 2,000. There were no significant achievement differences between plus‐ and minus‐classes. The attitude towards school (self‐reported) was slightly more positive in plus‐classes in grade 5. In grade 3 there was no attitude difference. Leadership choice status was lower for most pupil categories in plus‐classes in grade 5, but not in grade 3.     

General Media and Society

Atwan, Robert, Barry Orton, and Alliam Vesterman. American Mass Media: Industries and Issues (New York: Random House, 1978—$8.95, paper)

Dennis, Everette E., Arnold H. Ismach, and Donald M. Gillmor, eds. Enduring Issues in Mass Communication (St. Paul, Minn.: West P.' _fishing Co., 1978—price not given, paper)

White, David Manning, and John Pendleton, eds. Popular Culture: Mirror of American Life (Del Mar, Calif.: Publisher's Inc., 1977—$11.95/6.25)

Charlene J. Brown, Trevor R. Brown, and William L. Rivers' The Media and the People (New York: Holt, Rinehart a Winston, 1978 —price not given, paper)

Malcolm Muggeridge's Christ and the Media (Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1977— $5.95)