Certain misunderstandings in science, mathematics, and computer programing reflect analogous underlying difficulties. These misunderstandings are examined through four knowledge levels: (1) content; (2) problem-solving; (3) epistemic; and (4) inquiry. Analysis of several examples shows that misunderstandings have causes at multiple levels, and…

A discourse comprehension model is developed in which the initial processing is bottom-up. Word meanings are activated, propositions are formed, and inferences and elaborations are produced, regardless of the discourse context. A network of interrelated items is created which can be integrated into a coherent structure. (SLD)

Questioning of 70 individuals (ages 16 to 20 years) with mild or moderate mental retardation in India concerning their understanding of death found a clear relationship between level of retardation and understanding. Accidents and illness were perceived as equally likely causes of death. Awareness of religious practices regarding disposal of…

Involves secondary students in a study designed to allow investigation into how different levels of information presented by various technologies (chemical indicators, pH meters, and microcomputer-based laboratories-MBLs) affected students' understanding of acid, base, and pH concepts. Results showed that students using MBLs exhibited a greater…

Involves 321 preservice elementary teacher education students in a study designed to investigate their intuitive scientific ideas and understandings. Results reveal that the majority of subjects, with the exception of a high proportion of those who has a successful high school background in physics and chemistry, have misunderstandings regarding…

The importance of balancing content instruction with instruction in higher level thinking skills for gifted students is emphasized. The article recommends providing students with sophisticated content, relating that content to essential underlying generalizations and principles, and then concentrating on thinking skills. (SW)

Twelve secondary preservice teachers participated in a study designed to assess the developments and changes in preservice science teachers' subject matter and pedagogy knowledge structures as they proceeded through a professional teacher education program. Results indicated that pedagogy knowledge structure had a primary influence on…

The literature on novice-expert shifts in teacher knowledge is examined from the perspective of constructivist learning theory with a view to identifying lessons for teacher educators. Limitations in teacher knowledge are explored, and three requirements are outlined for a research agenda on teacher's learning. (SLD)

An argument for the role of a structural syllabus as a means to promote "gradual mastery" of implicit second-language knowledge is refuted. The author responds with further discussion of the relationship between explicit and implicit knowledge. (Contains 13 references.) (LB)

Examines the debate over what early care and education personnel need to know and how to go about getting that information. Lists and categorizes professional development activities as formal/informal information gathering; information sharing; self-assessment; experimentation; and organization. Emphasizes professional development as a dynamic,…

A survey of 628 educators examined opinions about the role and performance of school speech-language pathologists. Overall, responses indicated positive opinions about speech-language pathologist services, but some uncertainty about their roles with certain student groups and the adequacy of their training in behavior management, reading,…

Whether the effectiveness of additional mathematics instruction could be improved by new materials for students and interactive teaching was studied with 24 female business administration students and 19 female controls. Results indicate that proper use of the newly developed materials helped improve the application of mathematics knowledge in…

Examined the impact of information activation on individuals in different mood states. Results of two experiments suggest that happy mood supports judgmental inferences based on general knowledge structures, whereas sad mood facilitates the conservation of information. Findings support assertions that affective states influence the style of…

Presents a study on Illinois library directors' knowledge of the American Library Association's (ALA) Code of Ethics; 180 questionnaires (out of 252) were returned. Results suggest that a segment of the library profession is aware of the ALA Code of Ethics and is strongly supportive of the statements therein. (Author/AEF)

An optimal unbiased classification rule is proposed based on a longitudinal model for the measurement of change in ability. In general, the rule predicts future level of knowledge by using information about level of knowledge at entrance, its rate of growth, and the amount of within-individual variation. (SLD)