Independent Study (IND) programs are increasingly favored as part of the generally favorable attitude toward student autonomy. On the basis of experimental evidence, the unhesitating acceptance of IND does not appear to be completely justified. Some research studies found IND superior to traditional methods in terms of learning efficacy; others…

To help students learn how to interpret, infer, and speculate on conclusions, here is a week-long learning activity on "clue finding". A mitten, a bagful of debris and a few intriguing exercises with descriptive paragraphs show students that they use clues every day to draw conclusions and that they can extend this ability to analyze what they…

Defines the concept of the learning contract, describes its purposes, and offers a rationale for its use. Typical components and how they might be negotiated are discussed as well as contract implementation and some advantages and cautions to be considered when using this approach. A checklist and 12 references are included. (MBR)

Discusses the problems trainers encounter when dealing with resistant or reluctant learners. Recounts experiences and offers suggestions for dealing with students who do not want to be in the class. (JOW)

Macros are programming scripts that can be generated by recording users' actions. It appears that despite their potential for reducing monotonous work, they are under-used by non-programmers. The present paper reviews the literature on the use of macros. Included is an original study that examines the effect of adding the "search and replace"…

What has changed and what has stayed the same in the years since the first publication of James's "Talks to Teachers on Psychology: And to Students on some of Life's Ideals" (1899) and the 10 editions of McKeachie's "Teaching Tips"? Although research and theory have given us better understanding of learning, memory, cognition, and motivation, much…

Despite the ready availability of computer algebra packages, from a pedagogical point of view, the authors still feel that integration should be taught extensively the classical way, by means of carefully selected examples which combine as many fundamental techniques as possible for their evaluation. Furthermore, whenever possible, these examples…

Animated models explicate the procedure to solve a problem, as well as the rationale behind this procedure. For abstract cognitive processes, animations might be beneficial, especially when a supportive pedagogical agent provides explanations. This article argues that animated models can be an effective instructional method, provided that they are…

This study is performed by conducting a survey analysis to investigate students' attitudes and preferences towards learning English at Kuwait University in non-English major ESL students. The sample size will be roughly 21-22% of a total of 4950 college level English Language learners at Kuwait University where specific English courses are part of…

The present study investigated the effects of motivational instructions on interest, test anxiety, and text learning. Instructions to facilitate intrinsic and extrinsic motivation were compared with a "neutral" instruction. The sample consisted of 375 ninth-graders. Text-related interest and test anxiety were assessed before and after the…

In this article the preschool education in China and the United States are compared, based on the factors that influence the preschool education in each country as well as the characteristics of the preschool education in each culture. The preschool education in both countries has its strengths and weaknesses, which result from their respective…

The computer software education in vocational schools in Taiwan can hardly be deemed as effective. To increase students' learning motivation and develop practical skills, innovative learning designs such as problem-based learning(PBL) and self-regulated learning (SRL) are on trial in this specific context. We conducted a series of…

The theoretical underpinnings of student-centred learning suggest motivation to be an integral component. However, lack of clarification of what is involved in motivation in education often results in unchallenged assumptions that fail to recognise that what motivates some students may alienate others. This case study, using socio-cognitive…

Assessing teacher methods in relation to espoused learning objectives is the key to improving instruction and evaluation, says this principal. His article describes various ways to analyze teaching methods. (Editor)