Researchers examined how different reading and language arts assignments influenced third graders' (N=187) motivational goals, strategy use, and achievement affect. Teachers (N=8) modified assignments to increase students' complex writing and peer collaboration. Evaluation indicated students became less focused on teacher approval or normative…

Offers tips on how to study effectively at home for class and how to benefit from class time. Discusses teacher expectations of the foreign-language learner. (Author/CK)

Describes the application of a teaching model to the teaching of a science course entitled Changes in Matter. Discusses the teaching sequence and the outcomes of the unit in terms of students' conceptual development. Concludes that the approach requires a conceptual, methodological, and attitudinal change for teachers and students. (DDR)

Describes a paraphrasing technique from a methodology called Teaching for Thinking as a means to promote more effective discussion in small group sessions. A paraphrase that highlights assumptions or that provides an interpretation of a student's statement encourages students to think beyond what they have said. Critiques sample teacher responses…

Describes a 7-year-old whose mathematical performance in class embodies much of what is important according to "Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics". She speaks little English and therefore scores low on standardized, norm-referenced tests. Concludes that changes in curriculum and classroom instruction require changes in…

Examines the scientific concept of evaporation. Attempts to show how students develop their understanding through the levels of the Structure of the Observed Learning Outcome (SOLO) taxonomy. Shows how designing learning experiences to suit the learners' developmental stages in understanding a concept is paramount to the overall growth of the…

Investigates the knowledge of elementary school teacher candidates on rock-cycle processes. Three different instructional interventions were used to improve their knowledge: (1) conceptual-change teaching; (2) traditional didactic teaching; and (3) microteaching. The conceptual-change group showed the most growth in understanding, supporting…

Recommends using the Storypath method for introducing social studies concepts into the primary grades. Storypath introduces children to an imaginary environment (a neighborhood) and, working in teams, students provide details and people. Eventually they face a problem (litter), then bring the story and the problem to some kind of resolution. (MJP)

Focuses on the main elements that characterize online course design. Topics include design constraints; analysis of learning needs; defining objectives; course prerequisites; content structuring; course flexibility; learning strategies; evaluation criteria; course activities; course structure; communication architecture; and design evaluation.…

Argues that all forms of education have difficulty moving from knowledge to competent acting. Discusses practical exercise as an alternative to bridge the gap. Recognizes that exercises have to be embedded in trans-situational aims and planning and must include inert emotions. Proposes different training schemes for methodological-didactic and…

Argues that by addressing social and emotional learning within the classroom, college faculty can foster the scholarly as well as interpersonal growth of students. Suggests that sensitivities and learning within the affective domain are strongly linked to the efficacy of a successful collegiate experience. (Contains 20 references.) (NB)

Discusses the use of PDAs (personal digital assistants) by elementary and secondary students and teachers, focusing on technology integration and student-centered learning. Highlights include ideas for activities using PDAs; database applications; spreadsheet applications; Internet access; Web publishing; word processing; storing reference…

Compared the perceived degree of learning and application of learning made by college students who took a course in either traditional classroom, Web-based, or satellite-based delivery format and identified reasons for high or low learning and application. Investigated which instructional strategies and instructional design factors affected…

A study compared the implicit learning of 58 children (ages 7-14) with mental retardation and 53 controls (ages 3-8). Individuals with mental retardation modified their behavior after an implicit training procedure similar to the controls. The effect of implicit learning did not vary as a function of IQ or age. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

Discussion of the effects of embedded learning aids in computer-based learning (CBL) on performance and anxiety level focuses on a study of undergraduates that investigated the effects of relaxation and imagery guidance on recall and anxiety level. Discusses implications for future research and possible long-term benefits to learning habits.…