Young children notice and make use of illustrations in picture books as they read independently as evidenced by statements such as this one from Sarah's retelling of "The Wolf's Chicken Stew": "He couldn't catch him; so he did like this (child folds arms across chest) against the tree". Scholars in the field of children's literature have long…

There is reliable evidence that new vocabulary is primarily acquired through wide independent reading. However, struggling readers tend to avoid reading, resulting in limited word encounters and inadequate vocabulary growth, and they often have difficulties inferring the meanings of new words from context. While there are no clear solutions to the…

Verbalization helps children to develop self-regulated learning of cognitive skills. It can improve children's attention to task-relevant features and can enhance coding, storage, and retention of materials. As a systematic approach for improving learning, it can raise self-efficacy. (JAZ)

Describes the development of the VV-BOS (Visualizer/Verbalizer Behavior Observation Scale), a computer-based instrument for direct observation of students' preferences for visual or verbal learning material. Results of a study with second-language learners indicated a high degree of reliability as an alternative to conventional questionnaires.…

Describes learning strategies used by design groups at the Educational Technology Center at the University of California, Irvine, to develop interactive computer-based learning materials. Highlights include excerpts from scripts developed in project design sessions; yes-no questions and string matching; pointing input and single characteristic…

Surveys 78 British secondary school students and correlates their responses regarding preferences in learning styles to information previously determined by the computer-presented Cognitive Styles Analysis. Examines the students' preferences for group, pair, or individual work, as well as, open and closed tasks. (MJP)