This report provides K-12 educators with instructional strategies that research shows have the greatest likelihood of positively affecting student learning. The 12 chapters include: (1) "Introduction"; (2) "Identifying Similarities and Differences (comparing, classifying, creating metaphors, and creating analogies); (3)…

Discusses the evolution of a set of research programs (dealing with the removal of liquid contaminants from surfaces) used to introduce graduate students to methods of design, evaluation, and modification within the context of a larger research program. Stresses the simultaneity and interaction of theoretical and experimental studies. (JM)

Explores the hypothesis that the background knowledge effect, that is, familiarity with the topic, that enhances reading comprehension in a foreign language occurs only between two thresholds. Findings indicate that a lower threshold may exist, whereas the existence of an upper threshold is an open question. (50 references) (Author/CK)

Tested the hypothesis that phonological mediation plays a critical role in the early development of reading and spelling in French. The findings corroborated predictions regarding performance involving pseudowords of different syllablic structures except for the failure to find differences between open and closed syllables. Results confirmed the…

Explores one aspect of the possible relationship between speech perception and the awareness of linguistically relevant sound patterns in the first years of word reading. No evidence emerged of a concurrent association between children's skills in labelling speech sounds at the beginning of words and their phonological awareness of either rhyme or…

Results of a study involving 107 sixth graders, 107 secondary school students, and 99 college education majors support the basic hypothesis of the intuitive model of solving multiplicative problems proposed by E. Fischbein and others (1985) but show that the theory does not account for all the empirical data. (SLD)

Investigates the interaction between the presence or absence of explicit instruction and the variables complexity and morphology/syntax in the acquisition of four second language (L2) structures. Results from computer-controlled posttests confirm the hypothesis that explicit instruction facilitates the acquisition of L2 grammar. (66 references)…

Examines four factors in the operation of formal schemata in the recall of written narrative texts in English by students in Hong Kong: quantity of recall; temporal sequence of recall from story-schematic and input versions of stories; the effects of second language proficiency level on quantity of recall; and the quality of recall. (31…

Describes a teaching activity that improves students' scientific reasoning by focusing attention on the causal, explanatory nature of psychological theories. Students learn and use an argument form called Inference to the Best Explanation (IBE). Includes examples of this technique and student responses to the course. (MJP)

Describes study that was conducted to examine the effects of animation and practice on factual and application learning in elementary science computer-based instruction (CBI). The extent to which animation and practice promoted near and far transfer of learning outcomes is explored, and effects on processing time are examined. (31 references) LRW)

Discussion of the optimization of the instruction of concepts emphasizes theories of cognitive psychology. The development of instruments to record the mastery of concepts by fifth graders is described, variables of both instruction and learning are discussed, and a field experiment that compared the effectiveness of video directed instruction and…

Discussion of the use of interactive video (IV) as an instructional medium focuses on its uses in the teaching of professional interpersonal skills. Topics discussed include the use of IV for tutorials and simulations; learning theories; a model of skill acquisition; hypothesis testing; and nine principles for interactive video designs. (33…

Reports on study conducted among White, Black, Mexican, and Puerto Rican children in grades two, four, and seven to investigate ethnic differences in children's patterns of media use. Previous research studies are reviewed, hypotheses tested are described, and results are analyzed. (15 references) (LRW)

Describes a study of undergraduates that compared the effects of response-certitude adaptive and nonadaptive feedback in a computer-based lesson of verbal information and defined concept tasks. Effects on student performance, feedback-study time, and lesson efficiency are discussed, and implications for future research are suggested. (LRW)

Discussion of the acquisition of foreign research publications focuses on a study that assessed the extent of bibliographic control of foreign published materials in bibliographic utilities. Highlights include a review of previous studies; sources and quality of bibliographic records; timeliness; and presence of Library of Congress Classification…