Schemata, as defined recently by reading researchers, represent generic concepts which are stored in memory. They include underlying objects, situations, events, actions, and sequences of actions for use in interpreting new experiences. Research on schemata suggests that teachers need to pay attention to the types of questions they ask when…

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate methods for developing cognitive processes in adult students. It discusses concept formation and concept attainment, problem solving (which involves concept formation and concept attainment), Bruner's three stages of learning (enactive, iconic, and symbolic modes), and visual thinking. A curriculum for…

The world presented to our senses is essentially continuous in space and time. The simplest observations of children have shown that we are not born with ways of "breaking up" the world. The structures of our knowledge must be developed, and the major issue this paper considers is how those structures develop. The discussion focuses on Jean…

The article describes the framework of two training workshops intended to help elementary classroom teachers make better use of open-ended questions and activities which foster high-level generalizations. Tables provide a summary of thinking models utilized in gifted education and sample teaching units. Eighteen generalizations for the social…

Author presented a selection of examples of the role of connective analogies in invention/discovery. (Author/RK)

The science learning cycle developed by Robert Karplus and others in the 1960's has been a useful model for many science teachers and researchers. This model stresses the use of structured inquiry to organize knowledge acquisition and problem solving. Recent research in the cognitive science tradition, however, has shown that learning and problem…

Evaluation of "Concept Diagrams" and a related "Concept Teaching Routine" used in nine secondary school classrooms which included 32 learning-disabled (LD) students, found that teachers successfully selected target concepts and implemented the teaching routine, whereas students (both LD and non-LD) demonstrated gains in concept acquisition,…

Approximately 500 nonscience major university chemistry students were surveyed to record their interpretations of specific chemical symbolism before presenting modern concepts of atomic and molecular structure, in an attempt to understand the thought processes entering students use as they interpret symbolism. Results are reported and discussed.…

Most presentations of mathematical ideas are suggested as being backwards from the way they evolved. Two alternatives are discussed, both emphasizing mathematical processes. (MP)

Briefly summarizes recent advancements in information processing psychology, particularly work related to the representation of knowledge stored in long-term memory. Illustrates through example the educational possibilities yet to be derived from the study of cognition. (Author/MLF)

Relationships between infant visual skills and the development of object permanence and expressive language skills were examined with 31 infants in three groups: visually typical, visually atypical, and Down Syndrome. Measures used to evaluate visual status were: forced preferential looking, optokinetic nystagmus, and behavioral. Object permanence…

Presents a study of comprehension as a function of the stimulation-seeking motive in relation to the degree of structure involved in information presented in film. The study indicates possible differential-encoding or information processing strategies between individuals, both high and low in the stimulation-seeking motive. (Author/JEG)

This article identifies some behaviorial approaches for teaching economics at the pre-college level, including contiguity, classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and social learning. The cognitive school of thought is also considered. Implications of research on problem-solving are drawn. (CB)

The importance of understanding is stressed. Understanding the task is as vital as knowing the basic meaning. (MNS)

Explores some of the story concepts evident in children's story retellings and story writings. (FL)