An ethnographic approach to the study of second-language lecture comprehension was used to study 30 first-year Hong Kong Chinese students in a Teaching-English-as-a-Second-Language course. Results indicate student attitudes, problems, and their approaches to overcoming the problems. (17 references) (Author/LB)

This study examined the differences in middle school students' (n=287) perceptions of science activities among three instructional approaches: (1) lecture-worksheet; (2) traditional laboratory; and (3) problem solving. Chi-square analysis of questionnaire responses indicated that, on seven of the eight questions, students responded more positively…

Students in grades 7 (n=4), 9 (n=9), 10 (n=13), and 11 (n=12) were interviewed to compare the use of intuitive and taught methods of problem solving. Results indicate grade 9 students could efficiently use taught methods as well as intuitive methods, whereas grade 10 and 11 students reverted to basic problem-solving methods and were reluctant to…

Presents three problems that help students develop a repertoire of heuristics and persistence in problem solving: the water-jug problem; the missionaries-and-cannibals problem; and the census-taker problem. Discusses methods to encourage students to persist. (MDH)

Discusses a college level liberal arts educational program in Attica (NY) Prison. Maintains that the prisoner students work harder and complain less than traditional college students. Discusses techniques used in the prison that might be effective in regular college instruction. (CFR)

Relationships among individuals' foreign language learning experiences, their beliefs about the effectiveness of language learning strategies, and their definitions of the learning task were studied for 194 college students. Results confirm that language learning experience is related to strategy beliefs. Implications for educational practice are…

This article elaborates on the work of Paris and Winograd (EC 233 118) in examining metacognitive instruction with respect to special education research and practice. The article describes research supporting instruction in self-appraisal and self-management with mildly handicapped students, motivational characteristics of these students, the…

This article illustrates the theoretical and empirical basis of cognitive strategy instruction and compares this basis to major principles of constructivism. Illustrations of self-instructional and other cognitive strategy instruction models are presented in the areas of reading comprehension, written language, and memory. Maintenance,…

Strategic issues in the development of a learning society are (1) broadening the definition of learning; (2) making the goal of learning growth toward completeness; (3) increasing collective competence; (4) fostering autonomy in learners; and (5) stressing a political approach to learning (the right to learn as a civil right). (SK)

Reviews major research conducted between 1984 and 1989 on test anxiety among college, concluding that test anxiety may result from long-term memory problems. Explores techniques for reducing test anxiety, assessing the relative validity of each. Proposes a holistic approach to reducing test anxiety that addresses cognitive and emotional…

Assesses the effectiveness of methods used by instructors in Collin County Community College's psychology department to increase student involvement in learning: a laboratory component, extensive writing to learn, classroom research, and business/industry apprenticeships. Concludes that active participation promotes synthesis and integration of…

Contrasts ways phonics is frequently taught with examples of ways phonics would be taught according to research. Responses to major criticisms of a phonics approach are presented. Research indicates the best reading instruction involves systematically teaching children the most common sound for a select group of letters and letter combinations.…

This review of the University of Maryland's research program in written language indicates that the writing difficulties of students with learning disabilities stem, in part, from problems with basic text production skills, scant knowledge about writing, and difficulties with planning and revising text. The effectiveness of various instructional…

Discusses issues and problems concerning concept development among students in elementary social studies programs. Suggests good teaching uses analogies and metaphors to facilitate learning. Recommends illustrating key concepts through myths, fables, and parables. Argues that using stories that show how things work allows students to apply the…

Reviews 5 models of learning or cognitive styles and the concept of brain hemispheric functions. Discusses the right hemisphere dominant learning style of many Native American children. Presents points to consider when modifying curricula or designing a reading program aimed at all learners. Contains 19 references. (SV)