Ausubel distinguishes two kinds of human learning: (1) rote learning, relevant only to a small fraction of human learning, is the mechanistic formation of discrete, isolated traces in cognitive structure, usually through a process of conditioning; (2) meaningful learning, characteristic of most human learning, is a process of "subsuming"…

Attempts to distinguish between the lecture method and the constructivist approach, in general, and by citing classroom scenarios. The author cautions those whose writing seems to unintentionally endorse traditional lecture and drill and practice methods. (MKR)

In the Philippines, school children must contend with the use of English and Pilipino as media of instruction. Since they are taught by teachers who have not mastered English, either, the result is predictable: rote learning. In this process, pupils also learn the hierarchical authority structure of the school system, that is, the rules governing…

This article argues that, with all of its language about reaching "100% proficiency for all students in twelve years" as an "ambitious, but achievable" goal, the current federal administration seems to be on the side of the children in its No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), but further investigation reveals that many of the…

The paper considers the results of theory and research in the psychological aspects of foreign language teaching as sources of guidance in making sound eucational decisions concerning the aims of language teaching at all levels. Major attention is given to the suggestion offered by research findings that language aptitude depends upon a somewhat…

This paper describes the rationale for development of a self-instructional program using the bilingual-dichotic method, which accelerates the learning of foreign words. First, ways of learning vocabulary and the use of bilingual word lists for direct instruction with beginners are noted, and criteria are given for selection of words. Differences…

Describes the nineteenth-century object teaching revolution as a case study of educational change that occurred because of teacher education. Ideas of Pestalozzi were successfully introduced in America when Sheldon utilized inservice and preservice teacher education and education of teacher educators to spread the method. Object teaching shifted…

Technology in secondary schools has become of increasing interest as the power of the microchip has developed. For the students of Mathematics, computers and handheld graphic calculators need to be accessible to all. They are relevant to the needs of the students' courses and to support and develop their Mathematical learning (Smith, 1997).…