The mechanisms by which adults acquire vocabulary and the relationship between adults' ability to acquire vocabulary and their method of processing information were the subjects of this study. Theoretical bases of the study were ideas from cognitive psychology, particularly the work of Sternberg. Subjects were preservice education majors and…

Using cognitive science as a lens, this report identifies serious problems with most learning situations, maps the design principles for more effective learning, and shows how these principles relate to four policies and programs: integrating academic and vocational education, work-based apprenticeship, tech prep and 2+2, and cooperative…

This research investigates comprehension monitoring by studying the relation between the perception of comprehension during reading and detection of comprehension failures. Two groups of four college students (good and poor learners) defined by a post-hoc median split learned a physics chapter while rating their comprehension on a four-point scale…

One purpose of this research is to develop models of cognitive processes in understanding mechanical systems. A particular focus was on the processes in mentally animating the representation of a mechanical system, and the contribution of animation graphics in comprehension. Several studies, involving eye fixations, verbal protocols, and process…

This paper presents a framework for understanding conditions of discovery learning in computer-based microworlds. It begins with a short discussion of problems related to a traditional type of microworld--i.e., learning tools for mathematics--using the Dienes Multibase Arithmetic blocks as an example. In this discussion, hypotheses are developed…

This study presents a qualitative description of changes in social and symbolic behaviors in an African-American girl with autism over a period of 10 years (from age 5 to 15 years), with emphasis on ages 9 to 11. The primary purpose of the investigation was to elucidate the process ultimately leading to reciprocal social relations and symbolic…

Various learning difficulties are encountered by nontraditional students. Many are the result of problems in encoding (learning) of data, as well as retrieval of that information when needed. A review of literature showed that nontraditional students can learn, although it may take extra effort on their part to regain their skills in cognitive…

This dissertation presents the results of an investigation of visual mental imagery as a strategy hypothesized to increase the amount of interaction with content material and therefore the level of information processing and acquisition, and to assist information retrieval on posttests. Four treatments were used in a crossed, randomized two by two…

A study examined the age-related differences in impersonal (objective) and personal (subjective) styles of thinking and the influences these differences have on traditional cognitive measures. Data were obtained from two 2-hour interviews with 333 participants in their homes, at senior centers, or on a university campus. All participants were…

Theories of learning and instruction usually are grounded in psychological and epistemological assumptions. However, these theories ignore the child in relation to his or her cultural and institutional context and ignore the schoolteacher from the social context that regulates the process of transmission and acquisition of knowledge and skills.…

Computer assisted instructional environments offer unique opportunities for the analysis of learning and problem solving processes. In this paper, partially automated techniques for process analysis are applied in a study of the problem solving strategies of a group of gifted students learning the Logo programming language. The objectives of the…

At the present time there is increased emphasis on the need to teach critical thinking in schools. "Critical thinking" is proclaimed as the new answer to what ails the schools of the United States. The problem, however, is how does one define critical thinking, and even if a definition can be given, how does one teach it? The idea that it is…

Examination of newer technology education materials reveals two recurring themes: one relates to curriculum content, familiarizing students with technology, and another to a technique of classroom instruction, i.e., problem solving. A problem-solving framework for technical education has the following components: (1) define the problem; (2)…

Three researchers, addressing the problem of instructional improvement, identify sound research findings and cite problems associated with the transfer of these findings into classroom practice. Donald M. Medley, in "An Overview of Research on Classroom Teaching," identifies three variables which consistently differentiate between effective and…

Research on white college males has shown that people have a more complex schema regarding in-groups than out-groups. In an attempt to replicate the studies (Linville and Jones) on cognitive complexity and liking with a noncollege, racially and sexually mixed population, 60 randomly selected adult males and females read three vignettes describing…