The emergence of empirical approaches to L2 pronunciation research and teaching is a powerful "fourth wave" in the history of the field. Authored by two leading proponents of evidence-based instruction, this volume surveys both foundational and cutting-edge empirical work and pinpoints its ramifications for pedagogy. The authors begin by…

In early computer assisted instruction (CAI), negative feedback often insulted students and/or provided no useful knowledge. In classroom settings, teachers use the following approaches in dealing with students' wrong answers: (1) ask the question again, louder and slower; (2) ask the question again, using different words; (3) back up and reteach…

Teaching sequences designed to develop strategies for comparing numerals in grade two (in France) were analyzed. Children's strategies were noted, and an experiment confirmed underlying misconceptions concerning number. (MNS)

Analysis of errors children make is modeled both with and without computers. Patterns of thinking are traced for a fifth grader, with the discussion focused on getting clues for remedial instruction by analyzing the dialog. (MNS)

Evaluates the efficacy of two training procedures for eliminating selective stimulus control observed with three trainable mentally retarded children. In another experiment, improvements in stimulus control were not a function of varying degrees of difficulty between stimulus sets or of a prior history of discrimination training with the less…

An overall schema of interpretation for programming instructors is given, so that the misconceptions students develop in programming can be determined more readily. Types of language-independent and -dependent bugs, how they can be identified, and how to help students overcome them are addressed. (MNS)

Reports on a study to determine if having students write about the work required in doing three types of exercises from elementary algebraic fractions would affect the students' error patterns on quizzes. The study involved six developmental studies in elementary algebra classes. (PK)

Suggests that student errors in mathematics be used as motivational devices and starting points for mathematical explorations, involving problem solving and problem posing activities. It is further suggested that errors can foster a deeper and more complete understanding of mathematical content and nature of mathematics itself. (PK)

These proceedings include two lectures followed by working group and topic group contributions in reduced format. The two lectures were by Heinrich Bauersfeld, speaking on contributions to a fundamental theory of mathematics learning and teaching, and Henry Pollak, speaking on the relationship between applications of mathematics and the teaching…

Maintains that having students estimate the size and width of a class waste paper can (placed on a desk) is a simple and effective way of illustrating perceptual distortion. Tests show that people will consistently overestimate the height of the can, allowing for a useful discussion on sensory distortion. (MJP)

Supports the use of the applied linguistics technique of error analysis (i.e., charting and analyzing patterns in language errors) in developmental writing instruction. Argues that error enables teachers to diagnose the cognitive strategies and processes used by students in writing. Discusses teaching strategies and the approach's limitations.…

In an attempt to initiate a new approach to the teaching of Pascal, a study was conducted to ascertain the difficulties students encountered when they attempt to learn this computer language. Screening tests were given to 68 students in grades 11 and 12 who had just completed a semester course in Pascal. The purpose of the test was to detect…

Replicates an earlier study that used videotapes to examine the types of errors made by novice economics students in graphic analysis of a simple supply-demand problem. Further explores the issue by improving the framework for analyzing errors and documenting some methods used by novice groups to correct errors. (MJP)

This issue contains abstracts and critical comments on 11 articles, plus an editorial comment entitled "A Teacher Shortage?". Studies included concern solution processes on addition and subtraction examples; numerical rule induction; individual differences in performance on manipulative, pictorial, and symbolic tasks; the effect of a…