Describes systematic assessment procedures as alternatives to standardized testing which yield more descriptive records of children's reading abilities. Notes that the assessment procedures are consistent with the contemporary understanding of reading which indicates that prior knowledge and the ability to use predictive skills greatly influence…

Finds that powerlessness, social isolation, dogmatic nationalism, age, and gender significantly predict historical illiteracy (unfamiliarity with historical facts) and that a completed college history course reduced the effects of the predicting factors. (SR)

Investigates how structural variables influence readers' construction of meaning. Finds that textual variables operate differently depending on the extent of the readers' background knowledge and linguistic competence. Shows that variable such as exposure to reading materials (in both first and second languages), background knowledge, and…

Argues that using reading strategies in mathematics classes can help students understand mathematical concepts. Discusses five principles for mathematics teachers to use in incorporating reading strategies in the classroom. (RS)

Suggests that teachers can work with children to help them learn to "read" pictures using current models of reading comprehension as a guide. Discusses three steps in this process: connecting prior knowledge to illustrations, using picture clues, and extracting meaning from the words and sentences. (MG)

Traces the history of the shift in reading evaluation, outlines the new view of reading, and addresses current assessment trends, including prior knowledge, strategic reading, process measurements, use of authentic texts, and habits and attitudes. Discusses overall diagnostic models such as informal, dynamic, and portfolio assessments. (RS)

Introduces the FLIP (Friendliness, Language, Interest, Prior Knowledge) framework to help middle and secondary students examine their reading assignments and develop appropriate plans of action. Includes a rationale for the framework, a description of it, and suggestions for classroom implementation. (SR)

Examines the relative contributions of both verbal ability and prior knowledge to comprehension and memory for a televised movie, in both immediate and delayed recall conditions. Suggests that, although both factors aid in the comprehension process, they do so in different ways. (SR)

A study presented four groups of chess players (child experts and novices, adult experts and novices) with short-term memory tasks involving meaningful and random chess positions, as well as a control board composed of geometric-shaped spaces and pieces. Found that child experts' immediate recall for meaningful chess positions was far superior to…

An accreditation program for community workers uses accreditation of prior learning (APL) as a means of awarding full professional qualifications in community work. However, APL may be waning in the context of professional higher education. (SK)

Constructs case studies of individuals to explore the way conceptions change over time, and the difficulties presented by the concept of atmospheric pressure. Evaluates different structural theories of conceptual change. Contains 62 references. (DDR)

Three studies evaluated a method for developing prior-knowledge structures that prepares students to learn from a text or lecture. Findings indicate that there is a place for lectures and readings in the classroom if students have sufficiently differentiated domain knowledge to use the expository materials in a generative manner. (TJQ)

Investigates profiles of mature adult readers' who are persuaded by what they read, and what role a reader's educational level plays in the persuasion process. Finds that, for the most part, readers with moderate but favorable stances, moderate to high interest in the topic, and at least moderate levels of perceived or demonstrated knowledge were…

Reports on a study that examined potential links between mental models constructed by students, the organizational quality of students' prior geometric knowledge, and the use of that knowledge during problem solving. Suggests that the quality of geometric knowledge that students develop could have a powerful effect on their mental models and…

Describes the development of virtual lectures that were digitally recorded and discusses an analysis of their use by undergraduate students. Results of log-file analysis and pre-course and post-course questionnaires indicate that mode of delivery, student usage, and prior computer experience have no impact on overall exam performance. (Author/LRW)