The processes by which conceptual knowledge is constructed during mathematical problem solving were studied, focusing on the cognitive activity of learners (i.e., the ways they elaborate, reorganize, and reconceptualize their solution activity). Underlying this research is the view that learners' mathematical conceptions evolve from their activity…

This paper outlines four principles for preparing multimedia instructional sequences and, where necessary, the experimental methods for applying the principles successfully. Covered first are the criteria for good terminology for unfamiliar objects, actions, and situations, with methods for deriving such terminology. In the next section guidelines…

A media attribute approach was used in a study which hypothesized that compositional syntactic placement may bridge the processing link between the learner's cognitive capacity and the demands of a simple concept attainment task. Compositional syntactic placement refers to the relative horizontal position of the primary symbol or object within a…

To determine whether the Frayer Model of Concept Attainment, which uses a systemic procedure for defining concepts and which structures materials in a manner designed to facilitate comprehension for both good and poor readers, is superior to a method of defining concepts employed by many social studies textbooks, a study involving 360 ninth…

Research during the first two years of this project indicated that television alone can be an effective medium for teaching complex conceptual behaviors, some more than others. The major task during the third year was to develop and test the efficacy of parental intervention procedures to augment televised skill instruction. Subjects were three-…

To assess the importance of visual attributes relative to acoustic and semantic attributes in children's encoding, a 64-item recognition test was administered to first- and sixth-grade children. Recognition items were linedrawings of simple objects accompanied by aural labels. By manipulating the picture, label, and referent in various…

A Piagetian preschool emphasizes the child's active construction of mental images rather than passive association of words and pictures with real objects. The role of the teacher is neither to dictate good behavior nor to transmit ready-made predigested knowledge. Her role is to help the child to control his own behavior and to find things out as…

TWO STRATEGIES FOR TEACHING MULTIPLE-DISCRIMINATION TASKS WERE REPORTED. THE "MULTIPLE CONCEPT" PRESENTS SIMPLE DESCRIPTIONS OF SEVERAL RELATED CONCEPTS AT THE BEGINNING OF INSTRUCTION. INCREASINGLY COMPLEX MATERIAL PERTAINING TO THESE CONCEPTS IS THEN GRADUALLY INTRODUCED. THE "SINGLE CONCEPT" PRESENTS ONE CONCEPT AT A TIME,…

A progress report on a research project directed toward facilitating deeper understanding of economic concepts at the university level is presented. The purposes of the project are to explore phenomena conceptualization and to investigate why some students are more successful at a learning task than other students. In the analysis of a…

The effects of observing a model and of providing a response rule on the learning, transfer, and retention of a dial-reading, numerical concept were studied in 144 third-graders. Different experimenters conducted the immediate learning procedures versus the measurements of retention. No extrinsic reinforcers were promised or dispensed. The…

Reports on a study which investigated the order of acquisition of intuitive notions of qualitative speed. Results indicated that an array of prerequisites, equivalent, and independent relationships existed among the tasks administered. Confirmed the evolution of reasoning for notions of qualitative speed found by Piaget. (Author/TW)

Presents perspectives on creating new technology-based supports for science learning. Reviews current philosophies concerning the interpretative nature of scientific inquiry and discusses the difficulties of students and teachers in science education. Describes a prototype software system for supporting scientific inquiry processes in students.…

Critiques five arguments cited in support of process science. Considers the problematic nature of the processes and consequent difficulties encountered in mirroring these processes. Suggests an alternative way of viewing physics education through a trio of types of knowledge which can be used as governing principles in shaping education. (RT)

Defines cognitive computer tools as software programs that use the control capabilities of computers to amplify, extend, or enhance human cognition; suggests seven ways in which computers can aid learning; and describes the "Learning Tool," a software package for the Apple Macintosh microcomputer that is designed to aid learning of…

This paper discusses the classroom, home, and distance use of new, flexible, interactive, application-oriented software known as Active Learning Suite. The actual use of the software, not just a controlled experiment, is reported on. Designed for the e-learning of university mathematics, the program was developed by a joint U.S.-Russia team and…