Minimalist design principles were used to test whether instructional intervention could decrease computer anxiety of subjects learning basic word-processing skills. Subjects were pre- and posttested on anxiety during each session. Findings indicated that the method as well as increased computer use decreased anxiety. (Author/AEF)

Used variables from social-psychological model proposing that language-learning strategy use depends on knowledge of appropriate strategies, having reason to use them, and having nothing to prevent their use, to predict frequency of use for 50 language-learning strategies. Results showed the model accounted for 60% of variance of strategy use and…

Focuses on the current enchantment of educators and students with audiovisual materials and emphasizes that this genre is destined to have a permanent place in modern education. The article points out the good qualities of this genre: variety, utility, and pleasure. (Author/CK)

Presents an interesting problem intended to introduce students to an application of algebra and to help them make the transition from arithmetic to algebra. Uses different problem representations including making successive approximations, interpreting graphs, and solving equations. Discusses pedagogical issues involved. Contains 11 references.…

Argues that instructors involved in academic assistance must become familiar with the academic demands their students face in different content courses. Discusses four methods to gather such information, and shows how to identify relevant strategies for students to practice with actual course texts. (SR)

Case studies of two students detail contrasting passive and active learning behaviors. Examples of strategic learning behaviors illustrate that having students involved in activities such as discussions, question answering, and seatwork problems does not automatically guarantee successful knowledge construction. The nature of a student's…

Presents two examples of using the limitations of calculators to help students understand important mathematical ideas. The first example shows how a simple algebraic calculation can make a recursive model work long enough to perform the job at hand while the second shows how the limitations of a calculator can be used to introduce the need for…

Notes that the pursuit of meaning in drama is part of a larger pursuit of the means by which meaning is created and shared. Explains that a systems analysis allows researchers to step back from the subject, to imagine, and construct connections more clearly. Concludes that systems analysis is a useful tool in finding a language appropriate to a…

Examined whether differences in students' self-reported knowledge, cynicism, and political participation depended on whether their American government college course included a character-playing simulation involving members of Congress. Discusses research hypotheses and describes testing for immediate effects as well as after three years.…

Outlines the development of an after school science club in which students find a science topic of interest and create a storyboard through photographs. Includes tips for shooting photographs and equipment suggestions. (DDR)

Explored the relationship among cognitive style, performance, gender, and communication among computer students. Found a significant relationship between performance and cognitive style; students whose cognitive style scores indicated a preference for analytical thinking had better performance scores when entering college than those with a…

Presents results of preliminary trials that suggest that the program devised helped UK Year 12 (A-level) learners develop useful concepts of current and voltage, acquire a more integrated understanding of circuit behavior, and overcome their tendencies towards localized and sequential reasoning. Provides learners with a valuable aid for problem…

Investigates students' beliefs about the tentativeness of scientific knowledge, and autonomy and strategies appropriate for science learning. Analyzes responses to a written beliefs test of 178 8th grade students and interviews with a subset of the students. Discusses instructional implications focusing on the potential roles of teachers and…

Presents a teaching experience that resulted in students getting to a point of full understanding of the kinesthetic activity and the algebra behind it. Includes a lesson plan for a traffic jam activity. (KHR)

Uses a probability tree to predict the most likely wild card team for a National League Championship. (KHR)