Two experiments explored the possibility that individual differences in working memory capacity (WMC) partially reflect differences in the size of the search set from which items are retrieved. High- and low-WMC individuals were tested in delayed (Experiment 1) and continuous distractor (Experiment 2) free recall with varying list lengths. Across…

Maintains that Dobbert et al's transmission model (presented earlier in this issue) does not take into account individual receivers' different modes of mapping the transmitted knowledge. Argues that a way of life cannot be transmitted as a unit; each receiver reconstitutes fragmentary information rather than absorbing entire cultural patterns.…

Presents a new approach to understanding and using cognitive styles to enhance individual language learning. Introduces a new construct (Ehrman & Leaver, 2002) and illustrates it with two student cases. (Author/VWL)

The process of matching teaching materials and methods to the student's learning style and ability level in foreign language classes is explored. The Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) model offers a diagnostic process for the identification of style. This process can be applied to the language learning setting as a way of presenting material to…

Discusses development of the Sonnier Model of Hemispheric Preference. Notes frequent references to the senses "visual" and "auditory" rather than the two hemispheric functions "visual" and "analytical." (RS)

Describes a Massachusetts language arts teacher's experiences with diagnosing seventh and eighth graders' learning styles and designing activity stations geared to a particular type. Students progress from one station to another, trying to figure out which activity goes with each style by experiencing each one individually. (MLH)

Howard Gardner's hypothesis of seven distinct types of intelligence is explained and each of the theorized intelligences is related to the theory of cognitive style. The article concludes that multiple intelligence theory is not about new "intelligences," but rather, a reframing of what others have defined as cognitive styles. (DB)

Offers a brief overview of the field of individual differences in language learning, especially as they are reflected in learning styles, learning strategies, and affective variables. Touches on areas for further research. (Author/VWL)

Argues that personal integration and transfer of interpersonal skills is more likely if significant attention is given to the learning phase of skills training. Presents guidelines, as part of an integrative approach, to help trainers create conditions that encourage learners to discover personal meaning of skills. (Author/NB)

An important contribution of cognitive style research is to make teachers aware of the cognitive style differences of their students and the resultant implications for teaching and learning. (JD)

Relates the story of a ninth-grade student who worked to convince the school board to allow changes in policy to adapt to his best friend's strong reaction to bright lights which handicapped his friend's efforts to learn. Urges teachers to experiment with learning styles and add to the existing body of research. (SR)

Identifies automaticity as a condition allowing previously learned mental functioning to occur with minimal drain on one's attentional mechanism. Asserts that counseling becomes increasingly effective as trainees accumulate automatic facilitative behaviors and free attentional capacities to understand uniqueness of the individual client. Presents…

The importance of understanding individual differences in learning styles and temperament for developing special education programs is considered in the context of K. Lewin's theories of the interaction between behavior, personality, and environment. (DB)

After informally studying his first grade class, a teacher tentatively concluded that some students are phonetic learners and some are not. A faster method of identifying phonetic and nonphonetic learners is needed. No study that fails to consider differences in learning styles can possibly yield valid results except by chance. (MLH)

Suggests that the effectiveness of specific teaching approaches may be highly dependent on individual learning styles. Reviews issues related to matching teaching and learning styles and identifies ways in which style information can be used to enhance instruction. (SK)