Research in the neurosciences is supplying much useful information for teachers and curriculum planners. Particularly promising areas of study are brain growth, periodization, and cerebral lateralization and dominance. More interactions between researchers in learning psychology, curriculum design, and the neurosciences is necessary. (FG)

The authors present an alternative model for training in organizational development (OD) which differs from other such models by being eclectic, inexpensive, and applicable to participants with varying degrees of experience. A design for a training laboratory is elaborated and related to theories about OD and about learning processes. (SK)

A teacher training program includes the production of filmed and taped episodes demonstrating each category of decision in effective teaching and a diagnostic prescriptive observation instrument of the process of teaching. (Author/MLF)

The substantial use of educational television by the Open University has not yet taken advantage of the potential for interactive learning through use of video replay. The traditional broadcast format has predominated. (MSE)

Stressing the vast resources available to students living in the country, this article describes a teaching technique for creative writing that includes a structured process in which occurrences are creatively transformed into a finished literary product. (SB)

Focusing on the ST-ART shorthand theory presentation method, this article discusses the following principles of language-motor skill acquisition: mental practice, symbol-sound association, verbal mediation, recitation and articulation, hierarchy of habits, overlearning, learner anxiety, sense modality, guided practice, kinesthetic imagery, visual…

Summarizes observations of differences in cognitive processes in college physics students. Provides examples of trains of thought and misconceptions exhibited by students and suggests procedures to help resolve the difficulties. (CS)

A learning cycle approach to undergraduate instruction implemented in a variety of subjects at Metropolitan State College in Denver is described. An experimental group demonstrated significant gains in critical thinking and cognitive skill development as well as improved retention using a framework based on Piaget's stages of cognitive…

Reviews research on trait interaction and suggests using this research as the basis of individualized instruction. Further suggests that teachers add to the literature by testing the interaction of traits in their own classrooms. (TJ)

Focuses on nativist theories of language learning and how they apply to second-language acquisition (SLA). The article is seeking a nativism that goes beyond the scope of Universal Grammar and explains the human cognitive capacity for language learning, the learning of all language structures found in natural languages, and SLA. (95 references)…

Discusses online course design in higher education and cautions against blindly accepting constructivist and collaborative learning strategies. Explains many of the problems associated with these strategies, including the use of technology; considers social change; and describes groupthink and its influence in online courses. (LRW)

Provides a holistic model with five primary factors that affect the overall ecology of a distance-learning experience, including consideration for course delivery, instruction quality, student participation and involvement, course and program administration, and the culture of teaching and learning. (Author/LRW)

Discusses changes in ideas about learning underlying reforms in science education. Highlights experiences with project-based science, which focuses on student-designed inquiry organized by investigations to answer driving questions, including collaboration among learners, new technology, and the creation of authentic artifacts that represent…

Discusses the historical elements related to the U.S. kindergarten development. Notes that while parents disagree on kindergarten content and quality, they strongly favor its existence for offering their children an academically competitive edge. Questions if kindergarten is a first step in public primary education or a last step in developmental,…

Discusses factors that contribute to powerful learning experiences based on the results of two studies that examined diverse groups and more coherent groups of individuals. Topics include the highly individual nature of learning; problems that can create for instructional designers; relevance of learning to life and/or work; active learning; and…