Finds that children are naturally generative in their construction of explanations but that they use conceptions in quite complex and fluid ways. Argues that naive conceptions maintain a valuable function. Contains 43 references. (DDR)

Addresses the interface between two scientific disciplines, chemistry and physics, and suggests that learners do not readily integrate their knowledge across such domains. Recommends further research on how demarcations encourage learners. Contains 46 references. (DDR)

This study investigated influences on employee self-efficacy of computer technologies resulting from computer-training programs that were intended to meet individual and organization objectives for university personnel. Influences on the transfer of training process included previous computer training, computer-use requirements, computer-use…

Attempts to determine the relative difficulty of playing selected types of melodic pattern by ear; studies the effects of performance experience and instrument family on the ability to play by ear; and investigates the relationship between tonal aptitude and ability to play by ear. Presents results and questions for further research. (DSK)

The key features of continuous lifelong learning are open access, recognition of learning wherever it takes place, and new learning networks and partnerships. Lifelong learning is at the heart of the development of the virtual university, which must be a real university offering opportunities otherwise unavailable. (SK)

Examined the role of textual constraints, rather than previous knowledge, in resolving lexical ambiguities in second-language learning. Twenty ambiguous words with differing Portuguese translations were selected, disambiguated based on collocation, and tested with a concordancer, using a 20,000,000-word English language corpus of expository text.…

Presents the epistemology of scientific concepts from a schematic modeling perspective. Discusses students' initial cognitive states based on the level of commensurability between students' own concepts and their scientific counterparts. Contains 87 references. (DDR)

Explores the development of children's conception of a substance and reports the findings in relation to children's understanding of boiling water and particle ideas. Argues that boiling water should have a broad significance in the curriculum. Contains 23 references. (DDR)

Uses an instrument designed to identify misconceptions in biology to reveal that novice biology teachers hold a number of conceptual errors which are also prevalent among secondary science students. Contains 44 references. (DDR)

The performance of 32 undergraduates (aged 17-27 years) on a map task show that interactive style influences choices of forms of introduction. Assumptions about shared knowledge and prior task experience also influenced choices. (Contains 30 references.) (JA)

Investigates reasoning strategies students use in solving stoichiometric problems and explores the relation between these strategies and alternative conceptions, prior knowledge, and cognitive variables. Results show how stoichiometric relations produce conflicting situations for students leading to conceptual misunderstanding of certain concepts.…

Records of 276 registered nurses who took the National League for Nursing Mobility Profile II, a test to validate lower-division credits, were analyzed. Grade point average (GPA) from associate degrees was the strongest predictor of test performance. Baccalaureate nursing programs should consider using GPA as a validation criterion for nursing…

A study of 335 undergraduates enrolled in introductory psychology courses at two universities found that learner initial attitudes were predictors of academic achievement and that prior academic achievement was the single predictor variable in a logistic regression analysis of whether students earned satisfactory grades. These results support the…

Suggested principles for designing accelerated degree programs for adults are provided the following components of a model of adult learning: prior experience/personal biographies psychosocial and value orientation, the connecting classroom (relating life experiences and academic learning), adult cognition, the life-world environment, and college…

Shows that English as a foreign language (EFL) students in mainland China believe that their command of English vocabulary plays a crucial role in their reading comprehension. Suggests the final replacement of linguistic knowledge by conceptual or sociocultural knowledge as the top factor that affects their reading comprehension seems to take…