The ability of 45 educable mentally retarded children (mean CA-11 years) to acquire and retain a mediational strategy for paired associate learning was demonstrated by a training procedure which consisted of the sequencing of consecutive lists under varying degrees of mediational facilitation. (Author/CL)

This article deals with the role of attitudes in second language acquisition suggested by a social psychological interpretation of the processes involved, and examines several extracurricular programs designed to improve student attitudes and motivation. (CLK)

The theoretical and methodological concepts for research on aptitudes as cognitive processes are discussed. Individual differences constructs are reviewed in relation to cognitive processing models, and studies of short-term memory are reviewed. A coordinated approach to the study of aptitude as information processing is recommended. (Author/RD)

Reading comprehension and vocabulary scores, and verbal and nonverbal IQ were significantly related to both simultaneous and successive processing ability in fourth grade Canadian boys. High levels of both types of processing ability are necessary for high achievement; high levels of one type only will result in moderate achievement. (Author/GDC)

A comparison of three models of language learning: the Creative Construction Hypothesis, the Interlanguage Hypothesis and The Approximate Systems Model. Evidence is provided to support the hypothesis that the third model which incorporates both functional and linguistic analysis describes second language learning and explains why learners progress…

An information processing model was fitted to individual learning of paired associates and word definitions for 378 fifth to tenth-grade students. Reliable individual differences in acquisition rate and long-term retention were found. Correlations with traditional aptitude and achievement scores were discussed; no significant sex or ethnic group…

The purpose of this article is to examine the capacity limitations of the active memory system as seen in the nature of the forgetting mechanisms. (Author/NCR)

An approach to teaching grammar concepts treats conceptualization as a process of sensitization, consisting of three stages: motivating the student to learn the concept, presenting the operating concept and the grammatical category in question, and consolidating and enriching the concept in the student's mind. (MSE)

Reviews second-language learning literature concerning factors which may affect adult students. Focuses on cognitive mechanisms, cerebral dominance theories, formal operations, motivation, and second-language teaching and learning. Offers suggestions for community college teaching and programs. (DMM)

Two important aspects of transfer in mathematics learning are the application of mathematical knowledge (MK) to problem solving and the acquisition of more advanced concepts. General assumptions and themes of current cognitive research on mathematics learning in schoolchildren are discussed, focusing on issues facilitating the transfer of MK. (TJH)

Responding to criticism that teaching thinking places a misguided emphasis on process at the expense of curricular content, this article contends that teachers should focus on how to relate both content and process for meaningful learning, because the value of any knowledge or skill depends on its context. (TE)

Discusses a study which examined the last factor of Piaget's model of intelligence-functioning. Sought to determine if empirical evidence could be formed to support the existence of assimilation, disequilibrium, accommodation, and organization in the learning of physics. Naturalistic data provided support for the Piagetian functioning model of…

Research on teachers' question-asking practices indicates that strategy utilizing both initial and follow-up questions helps students develop the ability to reason for themselves. Five types of follow-up questions discussed are questions seeking: (1) clarification; (2) evidence; (3) greater specificity; (4) a more appropriate focus; and (5)…

Notes that neurolinguistic programing, recently introduced in education, helps teachers analyze and overcome barriers to student achievement in reading. Presents applications and implications of the concept. (FL)

The problem of using learning styles to enhance the design of learning environments is discussed. Some questions to be addressed are examined: learning style characteristics that are most likely to prove useful for designing instructional processes, the best way to measure learning style, etc. (MLW)