In this commentary, the authors suggest that a paramount job for adolescent literacy assessment is to create more equitable outcomes for all students. The authors propose that the use of learning scales and micro-progressions fills a void and demonstrate how their use can provide better information to teachers and yield information that can…

While formal research into the effect various technologies have on vocabulary acquisition is still in its infancy, it is clear that--intentionally or incidentally--students have used various electronic media to learn new words for some time now. Moreover, although it is still far from clear exactly how one acquires vocabulary in a second language…

Asked to review the four articles that appear in this special issue of "Educational Psychologist," these authors discuss the articles in alphabetical order, describe their major arguments, analyze strengths and weaknesses from their perspective, and provide some considerations. The analysis section about each article brings their…

Offers comments on earlier articles that discussed constructivism and instructional development. Social negotiation of meaning and objectivity is addressed, a multiple-perspective continuum for reconceptualizing objectivism and constructivism is explained, and the implications of constructivism for assessment are discussed. (38 references) (LRW)

Discusses instructional media and media selection principles that focus on solutions to learning problems. Three steps are described: (1) setting the learning objective, (2) choosing the best instructional technique, and (3) performance evaluation and feedback. Discussion explains four types of media classified by how they react to student…

A critical review of nine articles featured in a School Psychology Review issue devoted to the theme of reading assessment and intervention revealed that the data were essentially accurate and consistent with reading education principles. However, the conclusion that varying reading positions did not receive equal representation is discussed.…

A detailed, nonimpressionistic assessment checklist is presented for teach-yourself language packages. Two example research applications are given: a survey of a range of course packages, and an analysis of the patterns of materials used by an individual learner of Hungarian. (39 references) (Author/LB)

Discusses psychotechnology as it relates to the learning process. Topics discussed include states of consciousness; brain wave entraining; sleep learning; cognitive restructuring; learner objectives; implications of psychotechnologies for instructional design and development; and possible future trends, including the need for subjective evaluation…

Discusses the assessment of learner strategies in the computer assisted language learning context, and the pros and cons. Reviews empirical studies that have used the computer to record the interactive process where second language learners demonstrate different on-line language learning behavior, operationalized as types of learner strategies.…

The information processing approach to the assessment of learning disabled students' intellectual performance includes decisions about: (1) relationship between hypothesis testing and overall performance, (2) the knowledge base for strategy development, (3) coordination of search strategies, (4) metacognition, and (5) problem solving strategies.…

Describes research and evaluation on the Information Mapping method of structured analysis and writing of training and reference documents to illustrate how a flaw in research design can cause "little or no effect" results. Information retrieval experiments, learning experiments, and field tests are examined for problems, including size…

A leadership simulation model, patterned after the avalanche simulator used by the United States Forest Service and applicable within a variety of field situations (outdoor camps, church groups, commercial enterprises) can augment the development and observation of outdoor leaders. The model includes both a broad base of practitioner inputs and an…

Describes a planning model (PLAE--preplan, list, activate, evaluate) that provides a practical and flexible guide in how to determine one's own learning tasks, how to select and schedule the most appropriate study strategies for those tasks, and how to activate and evaluate a plan in terms of its efficiency and effectiveness. (HOD)

Discussion of the socially situated and constrained nature of educational computing focuses on situated critical pedagogy and computer education. Four areas are highlighted in an examination of teaching/learning situations: (1) praxis, i.e., a relationship between action and reflection; (2) situated critical pedagogy; (3) interpretive processes;…

Advocates that campus professionals, particularly student affairs professionals, refocus on student learning in all its dimensions. Discusses research and learning, students' 24-hour needs, engaging in professional inquiry, collegiality, and classroom assessment techniques. Reiterates that learning is the goal of all education and that students…