Describes a study conducted at Brunel University (United Kingdom) that examined the effect of users' cognitive styles on their perceptions of multimedia technology quality in Web-based instruction. Presents the theoretical background and discusses Quality of Service and Quality of Perception. (LRW)

Examines compensation strategies--techniques for dealing with knowledge gaps between learner and interlocutor--used by French learners of English and relates them to synoptic and ectenic learning. Suggests reasons that ectenic learners, who need conscious control of what they are learning, seem to communicate meanings of words to judges better…

Investigated the metacognitive development of a group of students in a course aiming to develop deep approaches and conceptual understanding. Found considerable diversity in the approaches used by students, and also in the degrees to which those not initially using a conceptual (deep) approach were able to develop this approach. (EV)

Discusses the branching structure of hypermedia that can accommodate individual learning differences. Highlights include interactivity; self-learning skills; a conceptual framework; a model of self-regulated learning; prior knowledge; and future research directions. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the effects of individual differences and cognitive styles on student learning in hypermedia programs and presents a cognitive model to illustrate how students with different cognitive styles react to non-linear learning in hypermedia by analyzing the findings of previous studies. Suggests implications for the design of hypermedia…

Identifies a particular class of explanatory discourse, and proposes hypotheses about the types of knowledge likely to be associated with skill in this genre. Finds that variations in accuracy and adaptiveness of students' explanations were partially accounted for by measures of topic knowledge, social cognition, and discourse knowledge. (MG)

The article describes the dramatic improvement in reading achievement, decrease in discipline problems, and improvement in student attitudes in a North Carolina elementary school over a two-year period when students were taught through their preferred learning styles. (DB)

Discusses the relation of research findings concerning field dependence-independence to conceptualizations of the process of learning to read. Proposes directions for investigation of the impact of individual differences in the acquisition of reading skills. (RJC)

Cultures have distinctive learning style patterns, but the great variation among individuals within groups requires educators to use diverse teaching strategies. Researchers identify three kinds of information about culture and learning styles: observation-based descriptions of cultural groups of learners, data-based descriptions of specific…

Learning style research can be incorporated into community education practice by (1) matching learning time preferences to academic schedules; (2) recognizing that many adult students are global, not analytic, learners and tactual/kinesthetic rather than auditory; and (3) accommodating physical needs in classroom seating, lighting, etc. (SK)

Demonstrates how cognitive style can be a useful construct in understanding why some children learn to read easily while others do so with great difficulty. Overviews relevant findings from cognitive style research in areas related to both acquisition of word recognition skill and the development of comprehension processes. (MG)

Dissimilar learners, although not candidates for special-education services, have difficulty adapting to the typical middle-school environment. The Intervention with Dissimilar Learners model adapts middle-school programs to meet student needs and achieve positive regard, teacher empowerment, and teacher as advisor objectives. The goal is building…

Rip Van Winkle would not recognize Corsicana (Texas) High School since its curriculum coordinator began implementing learning styles techniques in various pilot programs. Lecturing to rows of bored students has been replaced by students' active involvement in group activities, listening centers, and tactile/kinesthetic exercises on the floor or at…

American students don't read because they associate reading with pain. Successful reading styles programs identify students' reading styles, use reading methods and materials matching reading style strengths, demonstrate high achievement expectations and respect for learning style differences, use reading materials reflecting student's interests,…

Teaching to style represents a philosophical change from tradition to a mutual embrace of learning accountability. Control is relinquished in exchange for leadership. Students win by learning to value themselves and others. Teachers win by presiding over classrooms disciplined by mutual respect and enlivened by a celebration of diverse skills and…