Discusses children's ideas about colored objects and colored shadows, with special attention to the organization of these ideas into mental models. The clarification of these models provides instructional tools that serve to assess and confront students' naive conceptions. Subjects were visitors to a science museum who engaged in interactive…

Criticizing a conventional view on the subject, this essay distinguishes the concept of educating an individual--that is, transmitting knowledge of any kind--from that of developing an "educated person," and discusses the implications of this distinction for schools' purposes and curricula. (MCG)

Presents study results suggesting some malleability in learning strategies that flow from cognitive style. Examines the effects and practicability of restructuring training as a means of addressing individual learner differences. Reports that training enhanced performance on two dependent measures tasks. Concludes that field-dependent learners…

Compares 7 biology faculty members, 9 genetic counselors, and 26 undergraduate students according to both expertise and problem-solving success within the domain of genetics. Findings are consistent with the hypothesis that as expertise is attained, the individual restructures knowledge into a framework based upon the critical dimensions which…

To determine if a significant relationship exists between the conceptual systems of principals and academic achievement, nine hypotheses were formulated stating that there is no statistically significant relationship between student achievement and the complexity of school environment, emphasis on academic achievement, professional training…

A cognitive-structural model for counselor supervision, derived from advances in cognitive psychology, is proposed for facilitating trainee conceptual development and self-efficacy. Within the model, there are recommendations for matching structure in the supervisory relationship to the conceptual complexity and self-efficacy levels of the…

Reports on a study of 129 secondary students' cognitive style as related to instructional effectiveness. Finds that graphic and pictorial information improves fact retention. Recommends that teachers and teacher trainers should be aware of students' learning styles and attempt to meet their needs. (CFR)

This book presents the findings of a longitudinal study of 101 college students and the development of their ways of knowing over a 5-year period, focusing particularly on the role of gender in intellectual development. Part 1, "Understanding Gender-Related Patterns of Knowing," introduces different ways of knowing. Chapter 1 reviews the…

Proposes an approach to school laboratory experiences which leads to gradual acquisition of inquiry skills based on the idea of advance organizers. Presents a design which is context familiar and can serve as an introduction to scientific inquiry. Discusses student achievement, and teacher and student attitudes. (CW)

This study focuses on the possible relationships between cognitive preference scores of algebra students and level of algebra, sex, and performance rank in algebra classes. The sample consisted of 162 students from a high school in the Denver area. The instruments used were the Cognitive Preference Test: Mathematics (Revised) (CPTM) and the…

Interviews with 72 mixed ability students, aged 7 to 12, about arithmetic problem-solving strategies, indicated that the preference between procedural and deductive strategies becomes a divergent reality across ability levels. Among the conclusions is that more able children tend to be doing a qualitatively different sort of mathematics than their…

Fifty-three elementary school children were tested on Incidental Science Knowledge, i.e., knowledge acquired by chance outside school, and the results obtained were correlated with intellectual development and cognitive style as measured by interviews and group testing, respectively. Indicates that cognitive style and misconception play a…

Discusses the importance of instruction in metacognition, the mental process of observing, evaluating, and making adjustments in one's own thinking behavior to enhance comprehension during a learning activity. Reviews educational programs which have taught metacognitive behaviors and charts a model instructional approach for use in the college…

Stresses the importance of metacognitive skills (knowledge of one's own cognitive processes) in mathematical performance. Discusses the differences between metacognitive thinking and metacognitive experiences and the ways they each influence performance. Describes how accurate metacognition improves students' mathematical performance, and outlines…

Reports on a study of 323 Nigerian secondary students to determine what relationship exists between preferred and actual classroom environments and their approaches to learning science. Finds that Nigerian students prefer more teacher control, a less competitive atmosphere, and less emphasis on student friendships. (CFR)