This case study investigated the vocabulary knowledge gains made by an adult learner of English as a result of performing a read and tell task. It found that the quality of vocabulary use, or a higher level of generation, appeared to have had a significant effect on vocabulary acquisition. (15 references) (MDM)

Examined two cross-aged tutoring corpora to show how conversational rules and politeness strategies can potentially enhance or inhibit effective tutoring. Suggests that politeness strategies are more prevalent in less constrained domains, even though their use may inhibit effective tutoring. Tutors should be cognizant of these costs and benefits,…

Describes a sequential approach to learning that matches levels and types of activities to the developmental level of a group at any given stage of the learning process. Emphasizes the importance of facilitators encouraging participants to reflect on learning experiences through debriefing, processing, and transfer. Includes suggestions for…

This study examined the effects of different imagery strategies and the cognitive style field dependence on learning of various levels of instructional objectives for 113 undergraduates. Results indicated that imagery is not more effective than other rehearsal strategies, and no interaction between imagery strategy and cognitive style was found.…

Describes examples of two computer technologies that have the potential to enhance and contribute to developmental learning: the adoption of computer-mediated communication systems in a part-time master's degree program at Lancaster University (United Kingdom) and a computer-based learning environment for personal growth that uses interactive…

Examines the use of personal computers (PCs) in the introductory sociology course. Discusses the functional strengths and weaknesses of PCs. Describes the use of PCs in preparing and presenting visual material, teaching basic concepts and strategies, illustrating analytical storylines, and engaging students in problem solving. Suggests additional…

Ways are outlined to help students read their textbooks and do homework exercises effectively, know when they really understand the material, pinpoint what they do not understand, and know when they need help. Suggestions are offered for incorporating student training and practice in study strategies. A sample worksheet is appended. (25…

Reports on a survey of Native Canadian adults (with limited reading skills but not currently in adult programs) about their perceptions of literacy. Discusses (1) purposes and values of literacy; (2) types of goals; (3) past barriers; (4) preferred learning environment (they preferred "watch then do" learning); and (5) current barriers.…

Results with 101 undergraduates indicate that students interacting with a knowledge map perform better than students using a text, and students who are given a strategy for using the communication aid (knowledge map or text) performed better than those not given a strategy. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. (SLD)

Examines learning and teaching strategies by giving a one-hour workshop on techniques for reading technical material to undergraduate psychology students. Uses a blank information map, a set of behavioral objectives, and instructions for notetaking as study aids. Demonstrates that using information maps and behavioral objectives improves exam…

This study demonstrated that a columnar notetaking strategy was an effective way for secondary teachers to help 198 heterogeneous students abstract the main ideas, special terms, and facts from textbooks. The treatment involved a diagnostic-prescriptive approach to placing students with learning disabilities, remedial students, and nondisabled…

Suggests that more attention be paid by biochemistry textbook authors to the breadth of contemporary learning strategies, given the fact that an increasing number of medical schools have adopted an integrated, self-paced, problem-based curriculum. Discusses the theoretical characteristics desirable in the ideal biochemistry textbook. (JJK)

Offers explicit methods for the preparation, presentation, and utilization of handouts for lectures or seminars. Suggests that successful implementation of these methods can encourage students to take these handouts home, to read them, to refer to them again, and to recognize the contents when it appears later in the course of study. (JJK)

Self-questioning, summarizing, and review of lecture notes were compared as strategies for learning from lectures for 56 underprepared college students. Subjects were randomly assigned to self-questioning (19 students), summarizing (19 students), and notetaking-review (18 students) conditions. Self-questioners performed better than summarizers and…

Analysis of adult learners' reports on comprehension strategies, comprehension level, confidence, and affective response to two authentic Spanish radio broadcasts found gender differences in comprehension strategy use and perceived confidence level, suggesting the need for instruction about the evaluation of strategy effectiveness and about…