An experiment compared the effectiveness of color and non-color (black-and-white) pictures in a paired associate learning task. The study also used individual eye movement quantifications as a predictor of preference for color and non-color pictures. Specifically, eye movement fixation patterns were used as indices of preference for color and…

Inquiry-based science instruction can provide a rich context in which to build literacy skills in the elementary grades. The authors discuss the benefits of incorporating reading, writing, and speaking into science instruction. They describe the results of research on two models for combining language arts and science--the Science IDEAS model and…

A discussion of the problem of how it is possible for a verbal student to learn from a computer unless the machine can partially understand his language. (Author)

Two experiments explored the integration of animated agents into multimedia environments in the context of R. E. Mayer's (2001) cognitive theory of multimedia learning. The spoken-narration-only condition outperformed other conditions, with no differences between printed text and printed text with spoken narration. (Author)

Thirty normal geriatric individuals, who had been randomly assigned to one of three feedback modes, were instructed to produce a phrase at slow, average, and fast speaking rates. Results suggest that visual-verbal and verbal-quantitative feedback lead to significantly better performance than verbal-qualitative feedback, particularly when the task…

This study examines the effects of four different types of visuals used with television, slide-tape, and programed instruction (printed booklet) presentation. The same script was used with simple line drawings, detailed shaded drawings, photographs of a heart, and photographs of a heart model. In general, results favored programed instruction.…

This study explored how, and what type of, procedural instructions influence a trade-off between planning and performance. There is a trade-off if longer planning time shortens performance time, improves performance efficiency, and improves accuracy. The relative effectiveness of nine combinations of illustrated and written instructions for an…

Following a review of the literature on responses of autistic persons to environmental stimulation, three experiments are detailed which examine the relationship between modality preference and rate of acquisition of a discrimination task. First, seven autistic children's preference for colored lights and/or simple tones was assessed in a sensory…

A study was designed to determine if multiple-image (four frames at a time) presentations of stimulus material would provide a superior learning mode for students when compared to the usual single image linear presentation of the material. Students who were learning to use audiovisual equipment in an automated laboratory situation were subjects:…

An experiment testing for the learning differences between students who received BBC radio broadcasts as part of instruction and those whose instruction was based on conventional teacher notes. (HB)

Although students may aim for an oral presentation that is clearly organized, well supported, and effectively delivered, teachers recognize that the primary goal of a presentation is communication; that is, the message received should be as close as possible to the message sent. Tools of message transmission, such as PowerPoint, are just a means…

Children were administered the Learning Style Inventory. Analysis revealed that children across sex, grade, and race had a majority of no preferences for the variables considered. The auditory approach was the least preferred learning mode by all groups. Specific diagnosis concerning modality strengths will contribute to a youngster's success in…

Description of a study testing for retention of visual material identified as being familiar or unfamiliar to the subjects. (HB)

Article describes a method to effectively organize new courses of instruction or reorganize existing courses of instruction in higher education. (Author/HB)

A discussion of an investigation of the effectiveness of viewing three types of visual presentations over different intervals of time. (Author)