Investigates children's knowledge about animals by examining the mental models they reveal through their talk when they see animal representations. Presents a study in which representations were provided by robotic models in a museum, preserved animals in a museum, and preserved animals borrowed from a museum and presented in a school setting.…

Reports the knowledge levels about reproduction, contraception, and sexuality of more than 600 young teenagers from 7 cities. Data show subgroup variations in knowledge levels and explore which variables predict greater knowledge among these adolescents. Findings show disturbingly low levels of information among adolescents. (SLD)

Reviews what is known of the student experience with mathematical proof at university level. Suggests that while the least well-qualified graduates may have the poorest grasp of mathematical proof, the most highly qualified students may not necessarily have the richest form of subject matter knowledge needed for the most effective teaching.…

Three alternative tools to knowledge-based educational modeling were developed, using ideas from knowledge acquisition research, and their effectiveness was compared to that of an established rule-based shell. Children working with the new tools produced higher quality models and developed more positive attitudes. Knowledge acquisition systems and…

Nursing students (n=104) either attended a lecture/linear video or used computer-assisted interactive video about blood pressure. The traditional lecture method resulted in significantly more factual knowledge. Both methods led to effective psychomotor performance. (SK)

Of 175 freshmen agriculture students, 74% had prior computer courses, 62% owned computers. The number of computer topics studied predicted both computer self-efficacy and computer knowledge. A substantial positive correlation was found between self-efficacy and computer knowledge. (SK)

Comparisons of students' representations of financial accounting concepts with the knowledge structures of experts were depicted using Pathfinder networks. This structural approach identified the level of students' understanding of concepts and knowledge gaps that need to be addressed. (SK)

Tested in three studies a pragmatic explanation for children's tendency to choose an unfamiliar rather than familiar object when asked to find the referent of a novel name. Found that 3-year-olds responded to requests for referent of a novel label and a novel fact the same way. Shared knowledge between speaker and listener influenced children's…

There is unanimous agreement among mathematics educators that a prime objective of mathematics teaching is to promote understanding of the subject. There does not exist the same degree of unanimity with respect to what is meant by understanding mathematics. (Author/MM)

Reports on teacher candidates' interviews of children to learn about students' everyday science understandings. Concludes that teachers must go through a process of asking, leading, interacting, and guiding in order to facilitate student learning. (MM)

The Ethnic Attitude Scale and Transcultural Questionnaire were administered to 152 bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) students, registered nurses in transition to BSN, and masters's students. All three groups had low knowledge about cultural groups. The only significant difference was BSN students' understanding of such concepts as…

Psychologists (N=305) completed a questionnaire concerning criteria for sexual consent capacity by individuals with mental retardation. Factor analysis identified five factors of which basic sexual knowledge, knowledge of the consequences of sexual behavior, and abilities related to self-protection were most critical for sexual consent capacity.…

Teachers who differentiate their instruction begin by developing a broad and thorough understanding of their students, all of whom enter classrooms with varying interests, readiness levels, talents, and knowledge. Gathering this data about students and using it to purposefully implement differentiated practices can be time consuming and…

The authors investigated the effects of domain knowledge on online reading among younger and older adults. Individuals were randomly assigned to either a domain-relevant (i.e., high-knowledge) or domain-irrelevant (i.e., low-knowledge) training condition. Two days later, participants read target passages on a computer that drew on information…

Efforts by the state of Illinois to foster school improvement at the local level in crucial subject matter areas in all Illinois schools have been underway for nearly two decades and have involved all stakeholders, from educators to citizens to state board employees to elected officials. The overarching goal has been to help children increase…