Mental modeling techniques useful in reading classrooms are described, and three phases are outlined for teaching mental modeling by helping preservice teachers to develop a conceptual understanding of reading and reading instruction, learn how to plan and conduct reading lessons that contain mental modeling, and refine their mental modeling…

Investigates Piagetian measures of concrete operations in relation to specific school tasks. Shows that seriation ability of fifth graders was relevant to the organization of temporal and causal relationships but that development of theoretically relevant cognitive abilities is a necessary but not sufficient condition for high levels of…

Considers the ways that conceptual mapping as a classroom technique can help students reflect critically on complex conceptual relationships. Shows how teachers can use conceptual mapping in the classroom. (HB)

The learning process may be described as personal maps of reality--the way in which individuals construct knowledge and how new experiences change the maps. When new material is encountered, learners place it somewhere on their maps; the teacher's role is to relocate it closer to the learner. (SK)

The Atkinson-Shiffrin model of memory has three components: sensory, short term, and long term. Each memory process (such as encoding, storage, and retrieval) can be linked to specific teaching and learning strategies. (SK)

This study with 22 adults with mild to moderate mental retardation examined the nature of knowledge structures in this population as well as effects of presentation methods and response methods on ability to classify items. Results indicated major effects for disability severity, insignificant findings for presentation method, and a trend toward…

Interviews Grade 4 children (n=36) to find how they interpret the angles implicit in six realistic models. Proposes a framework for further research on the development of children's angle concepts based on the results of this study and others. Contains 21 references. (Author/ASK)

Presents two related theories for a new paradigm in teacher education. One uses the concepts of "episteme" and "phronesis" to introduce a new way of framing relevant knowledge. The other is a more holistic way of describing the relationship between teacher cognition and teacher behavior. (SLD)

Illustrates through the concept of causality how thinking and language are connected. Suggests that an approach to instruction that understands the foreign or second language as a medium of learning provides a deeper vision of the processes of language as a medium of learning. (Author/VWL)

Introduces the term "meta-pedagogical" and presents two case studies of English-as-a-foreign-language learners describing and evaluating their lessons, making the point that in the course of face-to-face interviews carried out over a 10-week period, these two individuals manifested a great deal of knowledge about teaching practice. (Author/VWL)

Reviews psychosocial cognitive teaching methods that correctional educators are using to remediate student academic deficits: computer-managed instruction, social/moral education, and essay writing and language arts. (Contains 15 references.) (JOW)

Argues that diagram interpretation is largely text-dependent and is also dependent upon the use of particular diagram-processing skills which may be very difficult to develop. Discusses some interpretation difficulties and advances strategies to help teachers make more effective use of diagrams. (Contains 20 references.) (Author/WRM)

Explores the significant findings that have emerged from research about the human brain regarding the importance of creating a brain-compatible learning environment. Presents eight components of a brain-compatible learning environment: absence of threat, meaningful content, choices, adequate time, enriched environment, collaboration, immediate…

This article introduces an issue that focuses on assisting individuals with disabilities to become literate. It discusses the historical debate over whether or not individuals with disabilities could learn to be literate, whom should be taught, and when. Following research articles addressing literacy research and teaching methods are summarized.…

In Hong Kong, early-years teachers face professional challenges in adopting a creative and child-oriented pedagogy in which play-based learning is central. The paper illuminates teachers' understanding of play, approaches used, difficulties faced, and their power in finding solutions. Six Hong Kong kindergarten teachers participated in an in-depth…