This study identified and examined the validity of a Brunerian theory-based, aptitude-enhancing, standardized educational simulation by assessing spatial visualization ability of students assigned to simulation and non-simulation treatment groups. Results indicate the simulation increased high aptitude learners' efficiency (and initially…

Argues that children need to be taught how to extract, synthesize, organize, and integrate important information from texts into their own knowledge structures and describes some techniques that can be used to activate prior knowledge. (HOD)

The authors discuss activities that help mentally handicapped adults emphasize thinking processes: observation questions, impact chart, solving a puzzling situation, and use of examples/nonexamples. The authors stress use of simple concepts, concrete objects, and realistic situations in developing intellectual skills. (CT)

Offers examples of lessons in conflict in reading material that can lead students to read critically, to seek further reading, and to enhance their comprehension.(HOD)

Investigated the efficacy of an instructional program designed to induce students to construct a mental scheme in which experimental design and natural experiments are understood as facets of the same problems and which incorporates a general solution procedure applicable to both. Results show a highly significant posttest achievement by the…

Teachers producing their own worksheets can now make ones that include questions that stimulate such higher level cognitive processes as analyzing, interpreting, and synthesizing. Suggestions are given for assignments which utilize word searches and partially filled outlines in both group and individual activities. (IS)

This paper examines research on students' learning in small tutorial groups, highlighting: (1) cognitive processes elicited by small group discussion and their effects on achievement; and (2) the influence of tutors on student learning. The studies examined problem based learning (PBL) in small groups in high schools and universities. Researchers…

This report discusses findings from a study that investigated the effectiveness of a student's improved self-knowledge of his or her specific learning disabilities in achieving academic success and improved self-advocacy skills. Forty-four general and special education faculty members and para-educators, and 13 ninth-grade students and their…

While a number of systems have been developed based on cognitive styles, and a significant body of research has been carried out about learning with multiple representations, little is known about the effectiveness of systems based on multiple intelligences (MI). To address this, a prototype was built based on Gardner's theory of MI and…

This study sought to determine the extent to which instructional processes characterized by cognitive complexity influence the development of general cognitive abilities during the first, second, and third years of college. The sample for the study consisted of incoming first-year students at 18 four-year and 5 two-year colleges and universities…

Conceptual problems hinder the development of computer-assisted art instruction. Presented is a framework to guide the organization of instruction and to facilitate the selection of computer strategies appropriate to particular art learning situations. Various types of computer-assisted instruction are presented within a continuum of teaching…

This paper discusses George Kelly's theories concerning ways that individuals build personal constructs of reality to interpret their experiences and illustrates how these theories could apply to science education. Teachers should encourage students to express their personal constructs; views of students and teachers should be respected. (PP)

Eleven specific thinking skills are discussed, along with activities to help teachers develop each skill in their students. The skills are: (1) observing; (2) comparing; (3) classifying; (4) imagining; (5) hypothesizing; (6) looking for assumptions; (7) collecting and organizing data; (8) summarizing; (9) interpreting; (10) problem solving; and…

A general model of conceptual change which is largely derived from current philosophy of science, but which can illuminate learning as well, is described. Some features of this model are illustrated by interviews with students studying special relativity in physics. Finally, some pedagogical implications are presented. (Author/PB)

Examines the effects of a cloze procedure developed from transfer feature theory of processing in reading on immediate and delayed recall of good and poor readers. (HOD)