This paper presents an anthropocentric approach in human-machine interaction in the area of self-regulated e-learning. In an attempt to enhance communication mediated through computers for pedagogical use we propose the incorporation of an intelligent emotional agent that is represented by a synthetic character with multimedia capabilities,…

This paper discusses several definitions of "intelligence" and "mind," concluding that the composing process which involves writing words requires the same acts of mind as the composing process by which we make sense of the world. Based on this assumption, several objectives are offered for developing composition courses for students with learning…

Investigates physics students' understanding of vector addition, magnitude, and direction for problems presented in graphical form. Indicates that many students retained significant conceptual difficulties regarding vector methods that are heavily employed throughout the physics curriculum. (Author/KHR)

This is the final report of a series of 19 experiments designed to study impasses in the learning of skills with a strong perceptual component. Several series of experiments were designed with the purpose of producing experimentally manipulable impasses or plateaus in the course of learning. Over 200 subjects (humans and animals) in learning…

Errors students typically generate while trying to translate problems into and out of algebraic notation are reviewed. Translation skills and pupil difficulties with them are seen as areas deserving further research. (MP)

Analyzes student performance on solution calorimetry problems in an introductory university chemistry class. Includes data from written classroom exams for 207 students and an extensive longitudinal interview with a student. Indicates learning difficulties, most of which appear to originate from failure to understand, that net increases and…

To investigate the reasons that tutoring is effective, a study was conducted of what happened during a series of tutoring sessions, and the effects of these events on students' behaviors and tutoring outcomes were analyzed. A total of 48 tutoring sessions, which included 6 tutors and approximately 25 college student-athletes, were tape-recorded by…

This research addresses the actual goals and intentions from which students plan and organize their work in a course of study. Representations can either facilitate or hinder learning and problem solutions. Several salient aspects of adult students' representational systems and how they influenced university study were examined in two studies. The…

This publication contains some of the papers and summaries of papers presented at the tenth conference of the Australian Science Education Research Association. Heading this collection are two invited papers by Peter J. Fensham and Colin Power which reflect the problems that confront science education researchers and which contemplate the future…

Describes a writing instruction project called the "landmark method" that fosters writing skills in students with learning disabilities. Outlines specific strategies that have proven effective in teaching writing to students with dyslexia or other learning disabilities. (HB)

Drawing on experience in South Africa, college-student learning difficulties are approached as problems in accessing and mastering the cognitive processes needed to develop the specific academic literacy required for the disciplines. Based on this theory, the article argues for integration of such academic development into mainstream…

College students experiencing academic difficulties are a major concern to universities. Research has indicated that many underachievers display certain identifiable electroencephalogram (EEG) characteristics. Unlike achieving students, underachievers often exhibit little EEG arousal during normally motivating tasks. These findings suggest that…

Asserts that metacognition is one of the most important developments in the contemporary study of learning. Proposes a theoretical analysis of a number of interrelated issues with regard to their importance for metacognition. Focuses on strategy selection in light of the impasse-based theories of problem solving. (CFR)

Various learning difficulties are encountered by nontraditional students. Many are the result of problems in encoding (learning) of data, as well as retrieval of that information when needed. A review of literature showed that nontraditional students can learn, although it may take extra effort on their part to regain their skills in cognitive…

The research described here seeks to characterize the "managerial" aspects of expert and novice problem-solving behavior, and to describe the impact of managerial or "executive" actions on success or failure in problem solving. A framework for analyzing protocols of problem-solving sessions based on "episodes" of…