Describes how the lost letter technique, a research ploy involving leaving stamped, addressed letters in public locations and seeing if people will mail them, may be used to introduce students to experimental method in sociological research. Students manipulated letter location, size, and address in order to judge different effects such variations…

Describes a procedure for teaching the "generator orbital" (GO) approach of molecular orbital bonding in polyatomic molecules. Explains how the GO can be utilized with students in generating the vibrational, rotational, and translational modes of molecules in a completely pictorial manner. (ML)

Criticizes Robert Slavin's "best evidence" rejection of mastery learning research for being potentially biased, highly subjective, and misleading. Apparently, Slavin threw out studies of less than four weeks' duration, discounted certain nonclassroom results achieved by teachers, and rejected studies not using standardized,…

Discussion of advances in technology and in cognitive models of learning focuses on computer activities that are intended to improve the effectiveness of study behavior. Specific cognitive processes contributing to successful study are outlined, and two categories of on-line study--electronic notebooks and on-line review--are described. (24…

Punishment given in a caring, supportive environment can assist children to learn some tasks more quickly, when used in conjunction with programmed positive reinforcement. The manner in which a punishment is implemented impacts its effectiveness. Two experiments are presented in which teachers used creative punishment to produce classroom behavior…

Prompted learning and transfer were compared for mildly retarded (N=26), average achieving (N=15) and above average (N=15) children (ages 11 to 16 years). Subjects learned a problem solving strategy which utilized a graduated series of prompts. Retarded children required more assistance and more training to learn and transfer the trained strategy.…

Investigation of gender and achievement differences on learning among black high school sophomores (N=148) indicated the existence of significant differences between high and low achievers and between male and female students on measures of learning and study behavior. (Author/CB)

Points out that if students are to learn to negotiate meaning, they must have opportunities to use a balanced combination of informational, expressive, and interactional language. Describes three teaching strategies which are important in nurturing a range of language in the drama classroom: questioning, reflecting, and teacher in role. (ARH)

Guidelines presented for the design of instruction using interactive technologies are based on theory and research in learning, instruction, and/or media development. Also explained is a meta-model, ROPES, which highlights retrieval of information, orienting activities, presentation, encoding in the cognitive structure, and the sequencing of…

Critically evaluates the assumption that microcomputer-based instruction can be used to teach generalizable thinking and problem solving skills. Transference of problem solving skills across domains is discussed, and strategies to promote problem solving abilities are examined, including computer assisted instruction and learning programing…

The factual and higher-order achievement of field-independent and -dependent learners was tested after exposure to lecture material. Students engaged in one of three learning techniques. The study investigated the encoding and external-storage functions of the three techniques. Methodology and results are discussed. (Author/JL)

Provides a basis for understanding reading comprehension through the interactive components of metacognition (person, goal, task, and strategies). Suggests specific classroom techniques to encourage students to become self directed readers. (RS)

Described are strategies that help writing-disabled students improve handwriting skills (e.g., provide models, use prompting and fading techniques, teach proofing skills) and strategies that allow students to circumvent handwriting problems so they can concentrate on the subject matter content (e.g., typewriters, computers, oral reports and…

Considers a three-phase approach to reading in the second-language classroom, with particular attention given to the prereading phase, where students' existing content schemata can be activated in an attempt to enhance motivation to read. (Author/CB)

Argues that students and teachers should be matched according to similar learning and teaching styles in order to facilitate students' learning. (SRT)