This study was designed to compare the effects of three methods of mathematics instruction on variables related to transfer of learning. The three methods compared were expository, rule-and-example, and discovery; the dependent variables involved representational, contextual, and difficulty components of the domain of transfer, Students (N = 180)…

Described is the nature of scientific enterprise, the nature of thinking and problem solving, and the nature of science as an adventure. It is suggested that teachers of science could use this book to help make science education a liberating and intellectually stimulating experience. It is a book which treats exhaustively the theoretical and…

Reported are the results of a study designed to test the effects of a programed unit in fundamentals of logic on the ability of college capable junior high school students to verbalize mathematical generalizations. The independent variables were the presence or absence of study of the logic unit, and ability level being college capable (I.Q.…

The needs and capabilities of 4-year-old Head Start children were considered in development of classification and attention training curricula, including: (1) sensory exploration through object manipulation, (2) variety of high-interest materials, (3) change of pace during the lesson, (4) presentation of learning activities as games, (5) relating…

The primary purpose of this paper was to present the distinction between the actual contributions of Piaget regarding epistemological questions and the manner in which these contributions have been interpreted to provide a basis for current educational curriculum reform. It is the contention of the authors that the Piagetian theory concerning the…

A review is made of that literature which focuses on the relationship of instructional method, internal cognitive activity and performance measures. This includes literature concerned with the issue of "discovery versus reception learning" and the effects of different instructional methods on retention, delayed retention and transfer tasks. The…

Reported is a study to evaluate the Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS) program at the fourth-grade level, in particular the unit, "Relativity." To avoid the problems of a written test, an alternative test involving examples of relative position and motion was developed. This 30-item planetarium test was used as a pretest and…

The purpose of this study was to test the learning by discovery controversy. Three seventh-grade science classes of above average readers were selected and randomly assigned to one of three experimental treatments: discovery, guided discovery, or programed instruction. The instructional materials were derived from the Michigan Science Curriculum…

While the open education movements and educational technology are often seen as mutually hostile, the challenge in education for the future is to find ways to develop the full range of each individual's capacities and of doing so while putting control of the learning process as much as possible in the learner's hands: for educational technology,…

A textbook called "Persuasion" was designed to provide discovery situations and a skills program to teach students to be aware of the ways in which they are influenced by various methods of communication, both public and private. The text focuses first on the persuader and the emotions he seeks to manipulate, then on the persuader and the image he…

This pamphlet summarizes the interim report of the Head Start Planned Variation Study although information from other sources is included. During the pilot phase (1969-1970) eight distinct approaches to preschool education were analyzed with regard to the nature and extent of implementation of early education models and program effects. The first…

MATCH boxes (Materials and Activities for Teachers and Children) were developed by the Children's Museum in Boston. They are presently distributed by the American Science and Engineering Company. The MATCH box concept consists of a collection of multi-media activities packaged in kit form to be used by elementary school teachers and children. The…

This paper discusses six aspects of current practice in mathematics instruction of elementary school children: (1) use of symbolization, (2) use of models, (3) consideration of child development, (4) "logical" vs. "natural" approaches, (5) individualization, and (6) diagnosis and prescription. The author argues that symbols are frequently…

Some ways in which exploratory activities of the preschool child involve science concepts are described. The role of adults knowledgeable about both science and child development is stressed. Emphasis is placed on hands-on experiences. (EB)

Hands-on experiences are encouraged and some examples given to promote discovery learning for the very young. (EB)