Over 34 years since its conception, research in educational settings has found evidence for the effectiveness of the 5E Instructional Model. Indeed, several studies have reported evidence of a better conceptual understanding of scientific ideas and models, positive effects on general achievement in science, and positive attitudes toward science.…

Explores the experiences and research which led Bernice McCarthy to advocate the goal of deliberately helping students to develop skills and potentials inherent in each hemisphere of the brain. Describes the 4MAT system, which equally emphasizes four learning styles (i.e., experience, active experimentation, reflective observation, and abstract…

Suggests the Book Chat model, which emphasizes subject-related, process-oriented learning principles, be adjusted to accommodate two aspects of change in literary practice: the selection of texts for literature programs; and the influence of critical-literacy theory on the way teachers question children about what they read. (NH)

This article reviews the principles and shortcomings associated with the mechanistic and holistic models of teaching and learning. Speech language pathologists and teachers are urged to exploit the plurality of theories available in developing effective interventions. (DB)

This paper proposes that research on a constructivist approach for students with disabilities should emphasize specific instructional and assessment practices, as opposed to broad educational ideologies. The value of a particular instructional or assessment practice (such as constructivism) is probably dependent upon context and learner…

Reviews several principles of learning theory and the characteristics of a good learning situation. The evaluation checklist included provides a list of characteristics that could be expected in any learning program which uses a particular medium such as the computer. (MER)

Examines elements of the traditional teaching-learning model in relation to changing objectives in education and discusses the application of a technology of education as an alternative model, recommending a shift of focus from systematic to a systems approach in building comprehensive models responsive to social issues and requirements. (RAO)

Freire's model of emancipatory education is one alternative to the behaviorist theory of education predominant in the field of educational technology. The educational context, the teaching/learning situation, is an extremely complex situation. Reducing this situation to a question of inputs and outputs oversimplifies the many facets of education.…

Reviews general principles of adult learning; describes nature of the adult learner as suggested by the current literature; provides suggestions for the design of learning programs for adults; and reviews the implications of accepting ideas about motivation derived from adult learning theories for colleges and staff engaged in correspondence…

Creates a framework for understanding the paradigm shift in teaching and learning, describes how the shift applies to instructional practices, and synthesizes principles and indicators guiding the observation of teaching. The new paradigm is based on cognitive development research and constructivist theory and is antithetical to the old paradigm…

This paper argues for a paradigmatic shift away from individualistic models of development and learning in early childhood special education to a social constructivist model. Principles for inclusive early childhood practice are explicated, based on classrooms as communities, learning as socially mediated, curriculum as contextually relevant and…

Current state policies, school district practices, and higher education traditions hinder teacher professionalism. To use recent research findings on learning, teachers must have more varied opportunities and responsibilities. The science of teaching is explored. (DF)

This paper discusses the historical context of communication and language intervention and critiques three widely used interventions. It advocates a cross-paradigmatic approach because its inherent flexibility fits with what is known about language acquisition, the nature of different intervention approaches, and human development. This approach…

This commentary on C. Addison's Stone's paper on the scaffolding metaphor for the learning disabilities field suggests: (1) repositioning the metaphor in its theoretical frame; (2) considering the ways in which contexts and activities, as well as individuals, scaffold learning; and (3) examining the relationship between scaffolding and effective…

Identifies the distance education learner, examines the approaches and teaching models of various educational theorists to the satisfaction of learners' needs, and relates these approaches particularly to the field of distance education. An extensive bibliography is provided. (EAO)