Points out that children have difficulty learning time concepts. Presents instructional activities for concepts associated with clocks, calendars, and chronology. Outlines Jerome Bruner's three different stages of representation for each concept: enactive, iconic, and symbolic. (DB)

Encourages classroom teachers to improve their students' reading and reasoning skills by helping them to interpret math problems correctly. (RAE)

The effects on mathematics achievement of having fifth graders engage in elaborative and integrative processing were studied using 121 students. Subjects were randomly assigned to cognitive-processing, fact-sheet, or control groups. Results show that cognitive processing is related to memory and understanding and is more effective for higher…

English-as-a-Second-Language data show number and person play a role in establishing cognitive continuity of textual occurrences. In such cases, number/person errors are global, affecting text comprehension. Global grammar proposed here can present language features that are to be learned in contexts that render those features cognitively and…

Discusses the value of the Socratic method in classroom teaching. Defines the three primary components of the Socratic method as systematic questioning, inductive reasoning, and universal definitions. Suggests that such a teaching method can use thought content to change thought processes and encourage active participation and critical and…

Discusses the role constructivist learning theory is taking in the change of teaching strategies in the science laboratory. The laboratory moves from a place where knowledge is verified to one where relationships are actively investigated through hands-on, cooperative activities. (MDH)

French tenth grade physics classes were observed as they studied electric circuits over a one-year period. An analysis is presented of tests taken during the year. The main point separating "average" students from "good" ones is their performances in "implicitly difficult exercises," that is, in what appears…

The seven articles of this theme issue bring together recent theoretical work in investigating the kind of conceptual change that occurs in the learning of the physical sciences. How conceptual change occurs and the implications for science instruction are considered. (SLD)

Compares the reliability and validity of the 10 subtests of the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) obtained from 99 developmental college students with norming values obtained in an earlier study. Indicates that 9 out of 10 subtest reliability coefficients approached but did not equal the earlier study. (HB)

This critique of Edwin Ellis's Integrative Strategy Instruction model for integrating cognitive strategies into content area learning for students with learning disabilities comments on the model's similarities to other cognitive strategy training models, the role of mnemonic techniques in content area learning, and the need to incorporate…

Describes a strategy for sustaining student attention and systematic information processing in a college-level psychology class. Outlines how absurdities are embedded in daily instruction for students to detect. Maintains that student interest and discussion levels were increased by this approach. (CFR)

Forty-seven elementary and middle school students, most with learning disabilities, used a computer-assisted instruction program which rapidly presented seven pieces of information or one which cumulatively presented smaller information "chunks." Both groups worked to mastery level successfully, but the cumulative group spent one-third…

Explored the nature of a seventh grade teacher's reflections on instruction during university seminars and in her classroom. Analyzes three major orientations that guided the teacher's reflections regarding instructional improvement. Described the ways that the teacher expressed "new comprehension" of teaching and the ways that this new…

Discussed are the implications of the three main stages of conceptual change--"awareness, disequilibrium, and reformulating"--on misconceptions of grade 10 students in Israel. The difficulties and problems encountered with the procedure are included. (KR)

Argues that videotaped versions of feature films can enhance students' understanding of sociological topics. Describes the use of two films, "The Milagro Beanfield War" and "Roger and Me." Includes two analysis sheets that students complete as an assignment for each film. (CFR)