SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timed) are advocated as the gold standard for goal setting. However, goals which are non-specific and exploratory, referred to as 'open goals', may be preferred in specific circumstances. In this pre-registered experiment, we compared SMART goals, compared to do-your-best (DYB), and…

Natural learning is a countercultural home education approach characterized by the notion of freedom and autonomy in life and learning, intertwined in cultural environments. Using purposive sampling, two single parents from a "township" culture provided an in-depth understanding of natural learning in their context. A case study design…

This paper investigates and analyses the features of a non-mainstream pedagogy, educational context and learning environment by presenting a counter-model which contrasts with the currently dominant educational project, an emergent global educational movement known as the Slow Education Movement. It demonstrates how the associated principles and…

The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of student-activated teaching styles through a specific intervention program on students' self-regulation, lesson satisfaction, and motivation. Six hundred and one 7th grade students (318 boys and 283 girls), aged 13 years were randomly assigned to an experimental group and a comparison group.…

The purpose of this study is to report on the nature of student learning resulting from an open facilitation approach to solo activities. Three key moments of facilitator intervention were identified at which the facilitator was encouraged to take a step back from directing the experience. They are the pre-activity brief, the mid-activity visit…

In 2001, the Chinese Ministry of Education issued Guidelines for Preschool Education (GPE) (trial version) to call on early childhood practitioners to use a child-centered and play-based approach to teaching and learning. The guidelines also include mathematics within the science domain and described its standards in a way that significantly…

This study examined the way children learn about and use the novel features of videodiscs. Nine 9- and 10-year-old students in a progressive private school in New York City participated in the study. None had prior experience with videodisc technology. The two videodiscs which served as test materials--"The First National Kidisc" and "Fun and…

Describes a methodology for supporting exploratory learning that attempts to limit learning space, called exploration space, and adequately control the cognitive load learners would face in their exploration process. In Exploration Space Control (ESC) the extent of exploration space is controlled according to domain complexity, but also to…

This report discusses the outcomes of a qualitative study conducted to investigate how preschool children with hearing impairments learn about literacy within a school setting. Seven preschool children with hearing impairments were observed in their school setting two days a week for nine months for a total of 283 hours of observation. One class…

Describes the use of a microcomputer-based authoring system to facilitate student-centered discovery oriented learning in an undergraduate social science course. Use of the authoring system to implement student-generated experiments, to become familiar with statistics and experimental methods, and to promote empirical thinking is discussed. (14…

Quality is a value-laden and context-bound concept. Drawing on cultural psychology, this study examines the nature of cultural values underlying definitions of quality in American early childhood programs. From semi-structured interviews with 15 teachers and 15 administrators in center-based early childhood programs, three themes emerged: (a)…

This study examined the effects of guided programmed instruction with Logo programming on the development of cognitive processes and thinking skills among college students. Logo programming has been advocated as a powerful tool to help students develop higher order thinking, an awareness of their thinking processes, and problem solving skills;…

This study examined technological literacy patterns and the process of inquiry in a student-centered summer program designed around inquiry and Internet utilization. Five case studies consisted of various configurations of fifth grade students from a variety of educational backgrounds. A qualitative approach to research was implemented using…

This research paper seeks to address new theories of learning and instructional practices that will be needed to meet the demands of 21st century education. A brief review of the literature on the topics of constructivism, reflective inquiry, and multicultural education, which form the major elements of a computer-based system called HyperCAP, are…

Argues that the use of prepackaged, worksheet-based curricula in preschools decreases teacher and student interest by creating a stagnant classroom environment. Provides guidelines for choosing prepackaged curricula when necessary. Suggests that a constructivist classroom promotes student interest, motivation, interaction, and discussion, and that…