Recent developmental studies have focused on children's learning strategies and on the socio-instructional dynamics that foster strategic learning. Discusses Vygotsky's concept of the zone of proximal development in the context of traditional cognitive strategies research and in terms of its practical applications. (Author/BJV)

Describes an undergraduate course taught at the University of Dubuque (Iowa) that examines the political economy of urban development in a historical frame of analysis and emphasizes experiential learning. Traces the conception, design, and delivery of this course. Offers results of an evaluation by those who contributed to the course. (KO)

A detailed description of a layered network model is provided, with computer simulations of key associative learning phenomena and predictions generated from the model. The model is compared to more conventional theories of learning to learn and configural learning. (SLD)

Describes activity boxes which can be used in early childhood classrooms to further curriculum and development goals. Activity boxes are containers filled with related objects categorized by color, shape, or material which encourage children to explore, sort, and manipulate real things. Discusses goals and lists contents for 24 activity boxes.…

Seventy-five learning-disabled students (10 to 14 years old) received instructions about summarization strategies and about personal causality that were designed to improve reading comprehension. Changes in antecedent attributions about personal causality were not usually altered by this program-specific attributional training, although…

Discussion of instructional theory and the teaching-learning process focuses on implementation of the Structural Learning Theory. Topics discussed include learner models and approaches to intelligent tutoring; control mechanisms in information processing systems; human cognition; assessing individual knowledge; and designing intelligent tutors.…

Exploration and comparison of the teaching and learning themes and strategies found in learning-oriented and work-oriented classrooms found that the former classrooms displayed a learning purpose, peer helping, self-evaluation, supportiveness of errors, endogenous lesson-introduction, fewer negative management situations, and teachers' beliefs in…

Poor readers can be taught to improve their comprehension skills by utilizing the same self-questioning techniques that good readers use spontaneously. Three questioning techniques (Question-Answer Relationship or QAR, ReQuest, and Reciprocal Teaching) are highlighted as empirically supported instructional strategies appropriate for students…

Explains courseware abstraction as a method of creating generalized computer assisted learning (CAL) lessons that can then be applied to provide as many concrete examples as desired. Topics discussed include generative CAL; cost efficiency; lesson verification; student evaluation; and factually exhaustive lessons. (nine references) (LRW)

Attempted to determine whether 170 third and sixth graders would benefit from the simultaneous use of 2 mnemonic strategies. Findings suggest that categorical sorting and active rehearsal combine to facilitate recall performance. (RJC)

Describes characteristics of a good learning environment. Discusses the role of teachers, planning, building activities, learning centers and stations, and resources. (RJC)

Results are reported from a study designed to determine whether computer-based teaching simulation could influence short- and long-term skill acquisition in 61 preservice teachers. Two factors (task realism and clear, immediate post-teaching feedback) are identified as significant contributors to the simulation's training success. (IAH)

The study of the effects of instruction in two revision strategies (mechanics and content) on the paragraph writing of 54 learning disabled students (grades six-nine) found that instruction improved mechanics of writing but did not result in improved content. Order of strategy instruction did not effect results. (Author/DB)

This article discusses the importance of attribution and strategy training for understanding motivation in students with learning disabilities, contributions of attributions to the larger motivational schema, and problems associated with measuring this affective variable. (DB)

Discussion of the use of two-way interactive television for distance learning at East Carolina University (North Carolina) focuses on a graduate reading course. Instructional design guidelines are described, including proper use of technology by faculty and students, involving learners at both sites, site facilitators, and increasing interaction.…