Experiential learning programs award college credits for learning achieved through job and life experience. The evaluation of such experience by academic standards provides many adult students a focus for planning the continuation of their education. (SK)

Describes a study which concluded that, to restructure the mathematics curriculum, modification of existing teaching practices is required. Recommends that practices be modified to enable students to construct effective knowledge bases and become active learners. Contains 38 references. (DDR)

Describes using information charts with eighth-grade language arts students. Discusses using this strategy to help students organize their research, develop critical-thinking skills, use their prior knowledge, and increase metacognitive awareness. (SR)

Examined how the experiences of a Mexican immigrant para-educator translated into beliefs and teaching, using the "funds of knowledge" concept to consider her experiences as critical to teaching. Results indicated that she had markedly different experiences from mainstream educators, yet numerous factors worked against using them for…

An overarching learning theory is presented, based on assumptions that all learning includes (1) external learner-environment interaction and internal acquisition and elaboration and (2) cognitive, emotional, and social dimensions. The framework depicts four types of learning: cumulative, assimilative, accommodative, and transformative. (Contains…

Encourages development of a communication assessment program designed primarily for a nontraditional, older and more diverse student population. Concludes that the prior learning assessment philosophy is a sophisticated and suitable methodology for assessing communication competency. (KEH)

Examines the processing order between the comprehension of a text and the use of comprehended ideas for such thinking tasks as comparing, evaluating, and problem solving. Finds that readers with limited background knowledge read in a more linear fashion than those with extensive background, who read in a parallel manner. (RS)

Investigates, both quantitatively and qualitatively, the relative efficacy of textual and instructional manipulations on concept acquisition. Finds no significant differences among four treatment groups on concept comprehension and learning. Examines text-processing strategies qualitatively. Presents an instructional model of the construct of…

Discussion of the development of distance education programs in the United States, Australia, Canada, and Great Britain focuses primarily on six programs in the United States. External degree programs are discussed, standard examinations that assess prior learning are described, and credit policies for extra-institutional learning are examined.…

In 2 experiments, 80 and 88 college students, respectively, used either imposed or spontaneous tactics for studying a descriptive prose passage. Imposed tactics were either outlining or relating passage information to prior knowledge. Spontaneous tactics were at least as effective as were tactics imposed via short-term training. (TJH)

Describes how an excerpt from an electronics magazine challenged the author to examine problems in reading comprehension. Notes the sources of difficulty in understanding demanding text, and states that prior knowledge--not isolated comprehension skills--is necessary to create meaning from a text. (MM)

Argues that readability formulas accurately predict how easily a passage will be understood by considering sentence length and word difficulty. Claims that the misuse of readability formulas as writing guides is responsible for much of the criticism. Challenges the critics to come up with something better. (RS)

Examined whether children were likely to associate animate-type or inanimate-type of movement with living objects and whether this judgment varies with age. Children and adults participated in the study. Findings suggest that both knowledge about different life properties and overattribution are characteristic of the preschool period. (BAC)

Describes a south Tucson elementary school's efforts to keep its Hispanic and Native American student population actively engaged through the Educational and Community Change Project. Teachers are reinventing their own beliefs and expectations while constructing class dialog around children's interests and personal theories. A pumpkin…

Examined instructional designers' use of learner analysis when designing and developing computer-assisted instructional materials by surveying 14 instructional system designers. Results indicate that learner analysis is only occasionally implemented to determine a learner's reading level. The cover letter and survey are appended. (JMV)