Explores the issue of the consistency of use of students' conceptions across different tasks which probed understandings of aspects of pressure, heat, and biological evolution. Findings indicate that children have alternative frameworks for all investigated areas. (ML)

Future research initiatives on learning and instruction are considered to be of most worth if grounded in general systems theory and if multiple research methods are used. Discussed are an information processing theory and a theory for the structure and structuring of stored information. (MNS)

Examples of relatively novel computer software environments from the representation perspective are described. Even more novel approaches to curriculum reform to cultivate higher-order thinking skills are then discussed. (MNS)

Describes a visual transparency method to develop the concept of resonance with respect to molecular resonance hybrid structures and partial charge on the atoms of an ion. Discusses the distinction between tautomerism and resonance, and emphasizes clarification of the Lewis structure concept. (JM)

Several studies of the validity of the intensive time-series design have revealed a post-intervention increase in the level of achievement data (the "momentum effect"). Reports on the development and use of a technique to study the effect as it is observed in several data sets on the learning of plate tectonics. (Author/JN)

Studies how children negotiate the meaning of literature by examining how they responded when given the opportunity to retell a story directly after hearing it. (DF)

The effectiveness of three methods for teaching social studies concepts were examined. The techniques were Merrill and Tennyson's model, Gagne's model, and reading-recitation. Student achievement was assessed for each method. Results indicated definitions and both examples and nonexamples facilitate concept acquisition. (Author/DWH)

This study of college undergraduates had two purposes: (1) to determine whether cognitive structure, as assessed by psychometric measures of concept interrelatedness, can be developed; and (2) to apply those measures to a learning situation that has produced a nonspecific transfer effect--the facilitative effect of concrete examples on learning…

Presents conversations of a group of fifth graders collaborating on a social studies task to illustrate how childen use language to learn. Focuses on one student whose oral language was rapid and chaotic but who demonstrated extremely sophisticated and complex structuring of knowledge to understand a particular social studies concept. (HTH)

Presents an Adlerian vocational theory with several hypotheses and corollaries regarding: (a) life style, (b) work as life task, (c) family atmosphere and relationships, and (d) early recollections. Develops predictive vocational statements and offers the resulting framework as a stimulant to generate further study of Adlerian vocational…

Addresses problems of curriculum evaluation through examination of curriculum objectives in terms of performance levels/intellectual demand; procedures to compare classes of behavior required by curriculum with classes of behavior expected in postlearning environments; analysis of curriculum against checklist of required implementation…

Presented is a review of research regarding student understanding of fundamental mechanical concepts in physics. (SL)

Children are taught to discover concepts which are common to all art forms through live performance workshop presentations. The goal is "...to encourage children to discover their own aesthetic understanding of academics, of works of arts, and ultimately, of life processes." (Author/RW)

Discusses educational needs in a rapidly changing world and suggests some ideas for development of education with a global perspective. The goals of global education are identified and specific competencies which will improve peoples' chances of participating effectively in the world system are discussed. (Author/DB)

The object of this paper is to present and analyze some observations of the language children in 1st grade (6-7 years old) use when they talk about geometrical objects. The observations are made during a number of encounters with the pupils during one year. The work is part of an ongoing collaboration project between a university college and a…