Laboratory research that compared the effects of various types and combinations of feedback on children's conceptual learning was reviewed and evaluated in terms of theories involving reinforcement, motivation, and information-processing interpretations. It was concluded that some important laboratory research findings and implications have been…

Maintains that music teachers can develop interdisciplinary curricula without sacrificing the integrity of their own discipline by focusing on conceptual (rather than content) connections. Recommends focusing on instructional priorities, curricular appropriateness, and conceptual understanding when planning an interdisciplinary curriculum. Briefly…

Defines contextual learning, or presenting new information to students in familiar contexts. Argues that community colleges must be ready for an anticipated increase in contextual learners due to its use in tech prep programs. Describes elements of contextual learning, its application in the classroom, and ways that colleges can prepare for…

Discusses the principles of teaching that can help students to be actively, purposefully engaged in their learning. Describes current innovations in reading, language arts, and mathematics education. Introduces the constructivist principles and teaching practices that can facilitate implementation of current instruction innovations. (MOK)

Suggests the following small group activities for improving reading comprehension: (1) introductory activities; (2) studying symbolic episodes; (3) synthesizing ideas within a literary unit; and (4) weaning students from teacher dependence. (JAD)

Three general areas in which technology (microcomputers and video technology) can facilitate learning are discussed: (1) helping students develop fluency (rapid recognition of familiar patterns); (2) providing rich problem-solving contexts that invite thinking; and (3) enabling students to create products that catch the attention of their teachers…

Examines the academic and linguistic needs of writers for whom English is a second language within the context of current research and publications on second language acquisition, affective variables that influence acquisition, the development of audience awareness, collaborative learning, "sheltered" content courses and…

Discusses some difficulties in teaching the concept of voltage to secondary school students. Presents and describes the content of a teaching sequence introducing voltage as a primary concept through relationships with other variables. Provides an example of the delivery of the teaching model. (YP)

Examined the effects of science curricula organized around topical and causal styles of discourse on 46 eighth graders. Found that students taught with the causal style of discourse had significantly higher retention rates and could better apply their knowledge to problem-solving exercises than students taught with the topical style. (MDM)

Proposes the technique of group discussions in the learning of mathematics. Examines the teacher's role in creating an environment that encourages student participation; presents four techniques to initiate discussions in elementary school classes; and offers five attributes teachers need to develop in students for effective discussions. (MDH)

Presents a view of the interplay among the various factors of personal experience, language, and socialization in the process of learning science in classrooms. Discusses the problematic relations among scientific knowledge, the learning of science, and pedagogy. (GLR)

Investigated seven-year-old children's understanding of certain geographical terms. Found that children this age have considerable difficulty with some concepts and that even vernacular terms are often misunderstood. Results support the idea of children's alternative conceptions and suggest that, for teaching to be more effective, children's prior…

Discussion of ways to enhance learning in school library media centers focuses on the theory of constructivism. Methods described include examining ideas, interacting with other students, encouraging higher-level thinking skills, and pausing to give time for reflection. Examples of lessons for elementary and secondary school students are provided.…

Presents an alternate form of assignment, called "Special Problems," that incorporates writing in journals into the mathematics classroom. The method requires students to provide process narratives to accompany selected homework exercises. Allows the teacher to monitor the student's thought processes and development. (MDH)

Presents experiments on effects of music instruction, teaching practica, feedback from the instructor, and videotaped self-observation on undergraduates' use of complete sequential patterns and components. Focuses on two levels: examination of effects of systematic instructional structures on acquisition of skills and refinement of constructs for…