Assuming the direct connection between vocational instruction and work, I want to discuss the implications of language and language research and of new research on the human brain for the future of vocational education. A language such as ours which uses alphabet signs rather than pictorial characters greatly facilitates the development of modern…

In an effort to clarify understanding of the concept of critical learning periods, this paper discusses problems that people concerned with the motor development of children have had determining relationships between critical periods and learning, and a "readiness model" is offered as a solution that could enhance understanding of critical…

The effects of specificity and position of written instructional objectives on learning from an audiotaped lecture were investigated using materials from Rothkopf and Kaplan (1972). Subjects received either specific or general objectives before or after the four sections of the lecture. A control group received no objectives. Vocabulary items used…

If motivation to read fails to develop, reading failure is the outcome. All of us have very delicately balanced neural systems for integrating incoming sensory inputs, evaluating their significance in the light of past experience, and storing the learning for future use. Autistic and hyperkinetic children apparently have unbalanced neurological…

This paper deals with the question of academic motivation. It argues that perseverance at learning is not a function simply of inheritance, early socialization, or current cultural conditions, but rather an interaction of these factors with key aspects of the educational environment. Two distinct conceptions of motivation are outlined: motivation…

An attempt is made in this working paper to synthesize the existing empirical evidence concerning the utility of simulation games in social studies teaching, training, and research. The data are drawn from several sources: published literature dealing with simulation games, descriptions of games in use, communications with people who use games,…

One of the essential differences between teaching a first and a second language is that the former is merely learned whereas the latter must usually be taught. This difference, while not absolute, still has enormous consequences. Although the "natural method" of second-language teaching is often championed, there is no way whereby the…

A research design was created to investigate if adults participating in noncredit courses have different preferences for control of inclass learning activities. Only the variables of "reason for participation" and "type of content" were researched as to whether they affected preference for control. The study provides evidence that different adults…

This booklet comments on the second dialect teaching situation with special emphasis given to the role of the native dialect, the definition of the standard dialect, special factors affecting the pupil, teaching methodology, and teacher training. The first section examines dialects associated with the influence of a specific foreign language,…

This literature review is in the form of a critique of the typical approaches to education in developing countries and the lack of attention to broad-based ethical issues. It is stated that no one is willing to discuss the real implications of promoting education in any land. Questions of social upheaval or loss of traditional values caused by…

The why, how, and where of all of the adult's learning projects are encompassed in this book. The central focus is on the adult's efforts to learn, in particular, his decisions, preparations, reasons for learning, help, problems, and needs. The 15 chapters of the book discuss the following: highly deliberate efforts to learn; episodes and learning…

The aim of this paper is to give some insight into what academic simulation games are, what their goals are, how they accomplish these goals, and how they differ from other ways of teaching and learning. A game is a way of partitioning off a portion of action from the complex stream of life activities. It partitions off a set of players and…

This book, a study of the informal classroom methods used successfully in many English infant and junior schools, is the report of two young American teachers who, for one year, observed schools in England and talked with teachers, parents, and children. Strong acceptance of informal approaches is conveyed because, despite some weaknesses, such…

Two different uses of computers in instruction are Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) and Computer Managed Instruction (CMI). CMI is primarily concerned with data management in the instructional process, and CAI is the use of computers to control the instructional process itself. The uses of computers in instruction can be described in four main…

The use of electric typewriters for beginning reading instruction was investigated. Thirty-six freshmen and sophomore education majors worked for 10 weeks with nine pairs of L-level (first-grade) children from the Wisconsin University laboratory school on SRA materials, Dolch phrases, and creative writing. Half used typewriters and the rest,…