Based on the premise that reading and writing, like other aspects of development, have histories that reach back into infancy, this book for teachers and parents introduces a comprehensive understanding of literacy development for infants through preschool age children. A practical approach, it emphasizes age-appropriate methods, books, and…

Computer Supported Intentional Learning Environments (CSILE) is a project using computer software to promote the constructive processes involved in intentional learning. CSILE enables groups of students to build a collective database (knowledge base) of their thoughts, in the form of pictures (created by students using a color graphics editor) and…

Because identification of effective instructional practices for building spelling skills remains a concern of those charged with guiding the development of student language arts competencies, this paper presents a synthesis of research and expert opinion on those practices that have been shown to foster spelling proficiency among both beginning…

Based on current models of problem solving within cognitive psychology, this study focused on the spontaneous problem solving strategies used by children as they first learned LOGO computer programming, and on strategy transformations that took place during the problem solving process. The research consisted of a six weeks programming training…

Rocky's Boots (RB), an educational game developed for use with Apple computers, is widely considered to be one of the most imaginative and engaging pieces of educational software currently available. RB presents an introduction to the logical concepts of AND, OR, and NOT. Players incorporate these concepts into arguments which are modeled as…

This eight-chapter book clearly presents a theory of how children learn and, therefore, how teachers and others can help children think about science as well as other topics. Its ideas and techniques may be adopted for preschoolers when objects are conceptually ordered, or for theoretical physicists when findings are conceptually organized. In…

Reviews breakthrough studies in the development of higher mental processes. These studies include: (1) influences on talent development; (2) the relative effects of tutoring, mastery learning, and conventional group instruction on student achievement; (3) the importance of cognitive prerequisites; (4) textbook organization; and (5) methods of…

Provides a rationale for content area writing, and suggests ways it can be used for social studies instruction. (JC)

Summarizes five theories explaining the relationship between word knowledge and comprehension of text in native language acquisition and explores possible implications for second language researchers and practitioners. (Author/CB)

Discusses curriculum theory in the context of professional education for library and information science, and outlines steps necessary for curriculum planning: (1) diagnosis of needs; (2) formulation of objectives; (3) selection of content from the universe of knowledge; (4) selection of learning experience; (5) organization of learning materials;…

This two-part interview focuses on the high expectations for the role of computers in higher education that the author feels are not being met. Highlights include discussions of teaching methods incorporating computers, computer science education, computers as research tools, word processing, and the questionable value of learning programming…

Describes a study that was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) through a comparison of the achievement and study time of students taught by the PLATO system and those taught by the traditional lecture method. Data support the PLATO system as a viable learning option. (ML)

Discusses some recent research dealing with the enhancement of an individual's capacity for acquiring and using information through direct instruction and training in appropriate information processing strategies. Describes a learning strategy system known as MURDER, and relates its use to the learning of scientific and technical material. (TW)

Critiques five arguments cited in support of process science. Considers the problematic nature of the processes and consequent difficulties encountered in mirroring these processes. Suggests an alternative way of viewing physics education through a trio of types of knowledge which can be used as governing principles in shaping education. (RT)

Hyperlexic children have superior word recognition skills accompanied by delayed development of cognitive and language abilities. Assessment of four hyperlexic children (ages 5-9) confirmed their superior abilities to retain sound/symbol associations. Written prompts were then effectively used to increase functional speech in one of the subjects.…