Summarizes the results of six studies that examined differences between courses in computer programming and computer literacy, and the relationships between achievement in these courses, student personality traits, cognitive styles, and gender. Suggestions for future research are made. (7 references) (CLB)

Describes growing acknowledgment worldwide that educational services must train people and provide support systems for lifelong self-directed education. Outlines 10 basic elements of programs designed to teach self-education, including visualization, learning style, personal curriculum planning, risk experiences, and self-culture. (Author/BRR)

Eleven major models of learning styles are compared in terms of variables, appropriate populations, validity of instrumentation, and supporting research. Discussion considers: (1) Dunn and Dunn's Learning Style Inventory for grades 3 through 12 and Productivity Environmental Preference Survey for adults; (2) National Association of Secondary…

The level of meaning (membership, partial association, or generalization) that English-speaking (N=1635) and Hindi-speaking students (N=823) preferred when thinking about each of 16 key concept definitions associated with the theme "the nature of matter" was measured for each concept. Results and implications for science instruction are…

Differences between the learning styles of Western and African students are highlighted in this discussion of theological education in African schools. Since many of the teachers in theological institutions are either westerners, or have been educated in the West, Western learning style is the one most rewarded in the classroom, and those students…

Monash University (Australia) students (n=320) enrolled concurrently in two courses were surveyed concerning their approaches to learning and the classroom presentation of material. Results supported the conception that an individual student's approach to studying in a course is determined in part by his perceptions of the teaching approach. (MSE)

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…

Fifty junior high school students were compared on achievement subtests requiring either analytic/convergent or holistic/divergent cognitive processing. Underachievers performed as well as achievers on tasks requiring holistic processing but did not perform as well on detailed or computational tasks requiring precision, attention to detail, and/or…

The relationships between certain parallel aspects of the teaching and learning styles of 60 student teachers of English as a second language were examined in the context of the general assumption that an individual's teaching and learning styles are closely related. The Canfield Learning Styles Inventory and Instructional Styles Inventory were…

Learning style based education (LSBE) is an instructional approach which forms the basis for a new teaching technique, learning style informed instruction (LSII). LSBE is a special form of individualized instruction in which the instructional decisions teachers make about specific students are heavily influenced by knowledge of the characteristic…

A discussion of the Linguistic Coding Deficit Hypothesis presents an overview of the theory; describes five prototypes of second-language learners, each illustrated by a distinct language processing profile; and examines how the ability to identify prototypes can help teachers interpret student difficulties and design instruction to address them.…

Measures the effects of cognitive-style field dependence/field independence on students' ability to discern form in music. Applies tests to 119 nonmusic majors enrolled in an introductory music course. Finds field-independent subjects scored significantly higher than field-dependent subjects. Identifies variables affecting learning for both…

A study of patterns of cue selection strategies in relation to field dependence and independence in the reading of Greek-English bilingual children is reported. The study investigated (1) possible differences in the oral reading strategies used while reading English as compared to Greek, and (2) possible differences in those strategies for…

Cognitive and communicative skills of library school students and health science students were compared using two self-reporting cognitive style inventories. Differences were found between the groups in oral, written, and nonverbal communication, and reasoning patterns, which may result in poor communication when librarians deal with health…

This study examined characteristics of passive and active learners among college students enrolled in remedial classes and students enrolled in regular academic classes. Active learners are typically analytical, focused on task, tolerant of new ideas, curious, adept at processing information, able to develop other ways to solve a problem,…