Taking as the point of departure the landmark work, "A Study of Thinking" (Bruner et al. 1956), this research attempts an analysis of the notion of problem-solving strategy, suggests criteria that may be employed to validate the claim that a certain type of behavior is a strategy, and illustrates the use of the criteria. (Author/RK)

Describes a study which sought to identify development patterns related to the acquisition of proportional reasoning in two areas, namely electricity and chemical solutions. Results from children ages 9-11 indicated that development of understanding of chemical solutions was asymmetric whereas it was symmetrical with electricity. Includes sample…

Discusses how most study skills are not appropriate for reading social studies textbooks. Asserts that sophisticated readers of social studies textbooks use a nation schema to organize the information. Finally, provides specific instructions on how to use a nation schema to teach social studies. (SRT)

Describes the National Education Association's Mastery in Learning Project. The project was designed and piloted in six elementary and secondary schools in different regions of the United States in 1985-86. Plans have been made for a three-year demonstration project in 24 schools in 1986-87. Includes references. (MD)

Effective metacognitive instruction uses such procedures as "reciprocal high teaching" in which junior students take the teacher role and lead a dialog on text meaning. Components of successful metacognitive strategy instruction are: selecting useful and teachable strategies; informing learners of purpose; transfering control from teacher to…

A general theoretical framework to guide research on self-instructional training was presented which suggests that the approach is particularly useful to young nonretarded children and mentally retarded persons. Retarded children taught to self-instruct show better attention, memory, and motivation and manifest less impulsive behavior, maladaptive…

Eleven fifth-grade teachers received Jigsaw training and conducted Jigsaw in their classes for one year. Process evaluation revealed the quality and frequency of Jigsaw implementation varied greatly. Jigsaw had no positive effect on the outcome variables (student attitudes, achievement, attendance, behavior), even in proficiently implemented…

This paper reviews instructional theory and research relating to three design criteria: (1) the order of presentation of instruction (sequencing); (2) the kinds of content relationships that should be taught; and (3) the way content relationships should be taught (synthesis). Also research on the relations between sequencing and synthesis is…

Discusses what learning conditions promote memory stamina. Reviews study findings which suggested that spacing of practice during rote learning of a foreign language vocabulary can produce lasting memories. (ML)

Considers the setting of priorities for making decisions about school curriculum. Demonstrates how curricula in three schools reflect philosophies and priorities for learning which the schools have established. The evolution of elementary school curriculum is discussed in light of political, social and economic forces. Problems in setting future…

A group of concerned educators evaluates the well-publicized arguments for teaching students to be culturally literate. They argue that content and process instruction are inseparable and that teacher preparation and student assessment should both reflect a more thoughtful fusion of content and process. (TE)

Explores the requirements for a general theory of second language learning that accounts both for the fact that people can learn more than one language and for the generalizable individual differences that occur in such learning, and considers the formalization and testing of such a theoretical model. (Author/CB)

Reports on a study to determine the effectiveness of an integrated study strategy system that uses self-assigned writing as a means of learning psychology content. Concludes that the PORPE (Predict, Organize, Rehearse, Practice, and Evaluate) system can be a potent, durable, and efficient independent study strategy. (JAD)

Twenty-one language disordered children ages three through seven diagnosed with autism, mental retardation, and/or developmental aphasia received a mean number of 74 signed speech training sessions. Seventeen children learned at least one word, and seven children learned multiple-word phrases. Most language learned was retained in a six-month…

Advances six postulates that largely define the learning side of a reciprocal language learning/teaching model, involving manner of presentation; learner characteristics; sensory data and memory role; comprehension and memory; multiple presentations; and informed teaching. (Author/CB)