Based on the sociocultural theory of learning and distributed cognition, using learning aids should benefit students' performance, as learning aids can compensate for a lack of knowledge or skills and reduce strain on short-term memory. The present study investigated the use of a diverse set of learning aids in Grade 8 of vocational education in…

This paper introduces the reader to the "Periodic Table of the World's Religious and Philosophical Traditions" (PTWRPT). It summarizes its background history, the conceptual thinking that underlies it, and explains why and how it was created. Using the same thinking that underlies Mendeleyev's Periodic Table of the Elements, it sets out…

Multi-touch surfaces have the potential to change the nature of computer-supported collaborative learning, allowing more equitable access to shared digital content. In this paper, we explore how large multi-touch tables can be used by groups of students as an external representation of their group interaction processes. Video data from 24 groups…

This quantitative investigation examined the influence of low and high self-efficacy on candidate teacher academic performance in a foreign language teaching methodology course through testing the speculation that high self-efficacy levels would improve pedagogical-content knowledge (PCK). Positivism guided the research design at the levels of…

Examines the differences between instructional strategies and instructional tactics as part of the instructional systems design (ISD) process. Instructional strategies and learning strategies are discussed, learning outcomes are described, and a decision tree is presented to help designers select appropriate instructional tactics. (36 references)…

An approach to learning chemical facts that starts with the periodic table and depends primarily on recognizing and completing patterns and following a few simple rules is described. This approach exploits the exceptions that arise and uses them as opportunities for further concept development.

Describes research that examined the role of online examples in a minimal manual on learning to use an interface construction toolkit called InterCONS. Highlights include the minimalist approach to designing user resources; user performance; the use of online examples versus printed examples; and user reactions. (Contains 18 references.) (LRW)

Describes the use of microcomputer database management systems to facilitate the instructional uses of learning strategies relating to information processing skills, especially recall. Two learning strategies, cross-classification matrixing and node acquisition and integration, are highlighted. (Author/LRW)

Subjects in a study of analogic reasoning use in learning a computer language read text describing an invented LISP dialect and then solved problems and described language constructs. Five of six factors studied indicating use of analogy with a familiar computer language showed statistically significant results, supporting the hypothesis.…

The effects of instructions to use imagery, sentence, or repetition strategies were compared on original learning, negative transfer, retroactive interference (RI), and 48-hr. retention. (Editor)

Presents a classroom technique for demonstrating the post-factum interpretation problem. Describes the various ways that students interpreted data concerning the percentage of men and women in traditionally female occupations. Discusses the various uses of this technique in both introductory and research classes. (KO)

This article describes a lesson unit in which students constructed tables and graphs to represent the growth of different trees. Students then compared the graphs to develop an understanding of slope.

This study aims to identify students' achievement goal orientations, learning strategies they use and the relationship between goal orientations and learning strategies. The sample included 189 students taking an educational psychology course at the undergraduate level. They filled out a questionnaire on goal orientations and learning strategies.…

Describes a study that examined the learning styles of 140 academic librarians in public and technical services using Kolb's Learning Style Inventory. The findings do not indicate significant differences in learning styles of technical and public services librarians. Relationships between learning styles and variables such as sex, age, education,…

This study examined the effects of different imagery strategies and the cognitive style field dependence on learning of various levels of instructional objectives for 113 undergraduates. Results indicated that imagery is not more effective than other rehearsal strategies, and no interaction between imagery strategy and cognitive style was found.…