Suggesting that properly designed and thoughtfully implemented discussion tasks can be an effective learning tool, this Digest discusses a learning-through-discussion framework that is designed to promote creativity and generate meaningful interaction and understanding for the learner. It discusses that goals of discussion and describes four…

Reviews the guidelines for the construction of an advance organizer as proposed by David Ausubel and examines why the term has so many possible definitions. (FL)

This paper describes the rule-assessment approach to cognitive development. The basic question that motivated the rule-assessment approach is how people's existing knowledge influences their ability to learn. Research using the rule-assessment approach is summarized in terms of eight conclusions, each illustrated with empirical examples.…

Investigates the effects of prior knowledge, presentation time, and selected task demands on information processed by college students of two-dimensional visual art that displayed varying abstraction levels. Results indicated that the amount and type of information subjects remembered about visual art were influenced by each of these factors.…

The hypothesis that one factor underlying the feeling of knowing is the degree of prior learning for the sought-after item was explored. The magnitude of the feeling of knowing nonrecalled items increased with the degree of prior learning. (Author/PN)

Explains why writing is a mysterious, complex process dependent on a lifetime of experiencing, feeling, and thinking, and why English teachers should be emphasizing writing to an audience more than the learning of mechanical rules. (RL)

Describes a Texas community college program in which students earn "equivalent" college credits for learning experiences outside the traditional college classroom. Discusses qualifications for the program, companies cooperating in this program, and how the program works. (CT)

Describes a study of the background knowledge of college students from remedial English, regular composition, and English-as-a-second-language classrooms, indicating that remedial students often do not have the background information network necessary to cope with materials. (HTH)

A statewide faculty development project initiated in Oregon is described. Suggestions for planning faculty development programs--ranging from how to select faculty to how to discuss faculty concerns about experiential learning--are provided. A variety of new roles and tasks for faculty are suggested. (MLW)

A description is given of the system developed by the College Board during the past three decades through which, on the basis of examination, more than 1,500 colleges award degree credit for prior learning. Over 140,000 individuals take the examinations each year. (Author/MSE)

Examines background knowledge and strategy knowledge from a broad view to better understand how they contribute to elementary-age students' reading comprehension of both narrative and expository texts. Indicates that background knowledge specific to the content of the text being read begins to diminish in importance at about grade 4, when strategy…

Research shows that learning efficiency increases by building on prior knowledge and using multiple assessment tools. Powerful learning environments start with authentic problems and build knowledge through cooperative learning. Informal assessments integrated with assessments of prior knowledge identify further educational approaches. (SK)

Comparison of policies and practices in six countries focused on the concept of access to education as flexibility: systematic structural arrangements such as accreditation of prior learning, open and distance learning, and information/communications technologies. Successful international experiences have implications for Scotland and other…

Fourteen nursing students in Wales reported on their use of accreditation of prior learning (APL) to obtain credit. Most had difficulty reflecting on prior learning and maintaining motivation over the length of the process. APL was felt to be worthwhile; students developed self-esteem, reflective writing skills, and greater appreciation for…

The Knowledge and Learning in Advanced Supply Systems (KLASS) project developed collaborative learning networks of suppliers in the British automotive and aerospace industries. Methods included face-to-face and distance learning, work toward National Vocational Qualifications, and diagnostic workshops for senior managers on improving quality,…