Argues that multi-media does not, by itself, guarantee accelerated learning and enhanced motivation unless there is a clear pedagogical progression and learning strategy. Describes and analyzes didactic dimensions to be considered in designing a multi-media tool, based on the authors' experiences as software authors and language trainers. (DSK)

Advocates cooperative learning as an instructional model for use by middle and high school social studies teachers to improve students' understanding of content and encourage students to become actively and constructively involved in the learning process. Describes five cooperative learning strategies appropriate for the social studies classroom…

This study presented contextual problems involving rational numbers and proportional reasoning to 7th-grade students with different curricular experiences. Evidence indicates that students in reform curricula, who are encouraged to construct their own conceptual and procedural knowledge of proportionality through collaborative problem-solving…

Employed a trial-by-trial analysis of spelling-strategy use to examine whether the overlapping-waves model could account for strategy choices in spelling for children tested in first and second grade. Found that the model was useful for understanding the development of spelling, despite the fact that explicit use of backup strategies had a minimal…

Presents an organization of seemingly disparate convention and procedure statements and rules of basic electricity into conjugate relationships which can be used to reduce students' memorization loads and improve their understanding. (WRM)

Identifies the social dimensions of learning. Advocates a teaching approach that is sensitive to the various barriers encountered by a diverse body of students seeking to negotiate access into the subculture of school science. (Author/CCM)

A survey of 71 nursing students in a Web-based course found that the format increased collaborative learning and improved computer skills. Graduate students were more confident that the course helped them understand concepts and ideas. Access, time, and computer skills were the largest barriers to learning. (SK)

Provides a profile of the use of action learning at the University of Brighton (United Kingdom), identifies reasons for the spread of action learning in a variety of subject disciplines, and discusses implications for the adoption of other innovations in learning and teaching in higher education. (LRW)

Presents comparative think-aloud protocols of beginning level language learners listening to an oral test. Argues that successful listeners use more metacognitive strategies and use these strategies to interact at a deeper level with a text to construct meaning. Outlines an instructional model for developing metastrategic awareness. (Author/VWL)

Presents the results of a comparative study of two groups of learners. Explores whether their feelings about a potentially emotive topic--radioactivity--influence their approach to learning. (Author/CCM)

Examines the computational strategies of 10 young street vendors in Beirut by describing, comparing, and analyzing computational strategies used in solving three types of problems: (1) transactions in the workplace; (2) word problems; and (3) computation exercises in a school-like setting. Indicates that vendors' use of semantically-based mental…

Describes a study of students in grades three, four, and five that tried an educational application derived from the social constructivism view based on theories of Vygotsky and Piaget to improve cognitive development in a heterogeneous class. Path analysis showed that complex learning techniques are related to cognitive development. (Author/LRW)

Presents six-step model for moving from a general statement of purpose to a psychoeducational group design that includes didactic content, experiential activities, and processing. By following this model the group facilitator will be able to develop a psychoeducational group that provides a logical sequence of learning activities fostering…

Presents results of study exploring use of psychoeducational group sessions on topics such as parenting skills, personal well-being, relationships, managing finances, and legal issues, specifically developed for custodial grandparents. Grandparents consistently met objectives of the content areas, with increased mastery as sessions progressed.…

Describes how three teachers learned about using Hyperstudio (presentation software), constructed a Web page, and created an original film as part of a unit on Florida writers. Recommends three major strategies for learning a new technology: choose the literary works, then the technology; build on your strengths; and learn to talk to the…