Studies the ability of 14 Down's Syndrome infants and 14 preterm infants aged 12 months to attend to and explore their environment in interactions with their mothers. Results indicate that mothers used different attention-directing strategies and that strategies used were differentially related to the child's attentional capacity. (RJC)

Examines sex differences in English language acculturation and learning strategies among older Vietnamese refugees using data from a national sample. Finds that females had more language problems than males, and that males were more likely than females to use various learning strategies to improve their language skills. (FMW)

Reports a study which identified different problem-solving strategies among Hong Kong high school chemistry students. Finds that student experts employed a recognition plus a working forwards strategy, whereas student novices attempted a means-end analysis to create a solution procedure. Comparisons were made with problem-solving in physics. (GG)

Describes an instructional model, Strategies Program for Effective Learning/Thinking (SPELT), that was developed to translate cognitive psychological theory and research into a practical instructional program. The extent to which SPELT conforms to current instructional design principles is examined, and macro versus micro instructional sequencing…

Discusses theories of the transfer of teaching based on the theory of common elements and the cognitive theory of elements and mechanisms. Highlights include inferential reasoning; mental models; memory and comprehension; and future directions, including theory development, metrics of transfer distance, psychological and educational research, and…

Explores various issues related to empirical validation of computer documentation. Topics discussed include developing validation test items; selecting test users; costs; benefits of testing for the writer; the role of the writer and editors; conducting the validation test; and writing revision specifications. (LRW)

Discusses the use of technology-based learning materials in open and distance learning approaches for adult education and training. Highlights include conceptions of the purposes of education; concepts of learning; fundamental values and attitudes of society; an the interrelationship of technology-based materials and educational support systems.…

Presented are the results of an analysis of the cognitive stages of tenth-grade pupils using a six-week unit on the respiratory system. The research design, instruments, and data analysis are discussed. A variety of cognitive levels was found and may be related to learning outcomes. (CW)

Discusses the benefits of individualizing inquiry for students. Describes using this method in the social studies classroom in step by step guidelines. Offers an illustration of its successful application. Notes factors to be considered before teachers commit to this instructional method. (KO)

Discusses the effectiveness of the use of simulations and games as alternative approaches to learning. Criteria for evaluating games and simulations for use in the classroom are given, and steps involved in the design of simulations and nonsimulation games are described. (LRW)

Discusses the use of mapping to help learning disabled students unlock the historical narrative in their history textbooks. Presents one way to map the narrative structure or grammar of a history text, including suggestions on how to effectively model and motivate students. (GEA)

Discusses the distinctions between formative and summative evaluation as they apply to instructional products (materials) and people (learners). Various terms for these four types of evaluation are mentioned, and their characteristics are described through examples from both educational and corporate instructional settings. (11 references)…

Discusses motivation based on adult learning conditions, and suggests appropriate motivation plans for leaders and trainers that will enhance performance. The steps to develop motivation plans include assessing current thinking on motivation and reinforcement options; objectively describing expected behaviors; and developing motivational…

Examines the information handling ability of the personal computer. Shows how the personal computer can link three learning techniques into a coherent learning strategy appropriate for undergraduate college students. Argues that the personal computer is a powerful tool that can make students' efforts more productive. (RS)

Outlined are the weaknesses of traditional, norm-referenced tests which fail to help in making instructional decisions. Presented is a step-by-step series of operations for analyzing and categorizing arithmetic errors, for selecting corrective strategies, and for applying peer-referenced standards to judge the performance of special needs…