Presents study results showing that a range of modes of interactive organization coexist in expert-novice problem-solving activity and vary with the asymmetry of the relationships. Reports that by combining high achieving status with task-related expertise, the resulting interactive dynamic is guidance/tutoring. Argues for multidimensional…

This study examined the relationship between cognitive characteristics (field-independence, spatial visualization, logical reasoning, and direction following) and the initial acquisition of computer programing competence in 29 computer programing students. Students completed tests and surveys; results suggested that individual differences be…

Discusses the epistemology and typical applications of learning models focusing on practical methods to operationally introduce the distinctive, alloseric models into the educational environment. Alloseric learning models strive to minimize the characteristic resistance that learners typically exhibit when confronted with the need to reorganize or…

Discusses research on cognitive styles and strategies. Groups labels into two principle styles. Describes the wholist-analytic style, examining whether an individual tends to process information in wholes or parts, and the verbalizer-imager style considering whether an individual is inclined to represent information during thinking verbally or in…

Principles of teaching students with special needs the processes for self-regulation of their behavior are offered, for the four components of self-instruction, goal setting, self-monitoring, and self-reinforcement. Forms of self-instruction are described, with examples, and sample recording systems are provided. (DB)

A study investigated the attitudes of 99 British first-year college students toward peer and self-assessment and preferred teaching and learning approaches, including student-centered learning, teacher role, and negotiation of assignments. Self-evaluation was found to be more realistic than peer evaluation. Students also preferred guidelines for…

Reports on the development and application of a series of computer programs which simulate the outcomes of students' perceptions regarding forces acting on objects at rest or in motion. This dissonance-based strategy for achieving conceptual change uses an arrow-based vector language to enable students to express their conceptual understanding.…

Their cumulative schooling experiences dictate the way most teachers carry out their roles. Changing teaching requires changing the environment in which teaching occurs. Colleges can contribute to reinventing teaching in several ways. Many of the educational principles which promote student learning also promote teacher learning and better…

The relationship of intelligence to strategy training, maintenance, and transfer was studied for six intellectually gifted, six average, and six mentally retarded children taught a balance-scale problem strategy. Implications of the finding that the mentally retarded needed more training and were poorer at maintenance and transfer are discussed.…

Discusses the use of drawings to nurture problem-solving attitudes and independent learning. Drawings help develop thinking skills, clarify misconceptions, develop representational preferences, supply a context for relationships in K-8 mathematics, and illustrate mathematical connections. (MDH)

Underscores the importance of classroom climate and innovative teaching methods in creating a fertile environment for the teaching of critical thinking. Argues that critical thinking requires active learning. Briefly describes strategies such as five-minute "writes," panel presentations, discipline worksheets, and assignment interviews as ways of…

Ways that good or successful Japanese learners of English develop their language skills in spite of large class size are examined, based on a study of 28 graduate students at a Japanese university. Analysis of responses about exam preparation, teacher role, listening, etc., suggest a need for more research on language learning strategies in…

This literature review examines the contribution of the LOGO programming language toward facilitating elementary school students' learning and in promoting problem-solving skills. Topics addressed include positive and negative effects of LOGO use; LOGO theory and development; transfer of LOGO skills; and support for structured, teacher-mediated…

This reflection by the first author of Evans et al. (EC 609 934) on the efficacy of notetaking skills to improve behavior and comprehension of adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder stresses the importance of integrating mental health and educational interventions and difficulties in translating results of applied research on…

Described is the Vale Interactive Science and Technology Adventure (VISTA) center that caters specifically to primary school students, involves concepts and skills from the National Curriculum, and researches playing children's patterns of learning. The plans for the future and early descriptions of students reactions are reported. (KR)