Domain-general cognitive knowledge has frequently been used to explain skill when domain-specific knowledge held in long-term memory may provide a better explanation. An emphasis on domain-general knowledge may be misplaced if domain-specific knowledge is the primary factor driving acquired intellectual skills. We trace the long history of…

In this paper, we present an emerging set of learning conjectures and design principles to be used in the development of professional learning tasks that support elementary teachers' learning of mathematics learning trajectories. We outline our theoretical perspective on teacher knowledge of learning trajectories, review the literature concerning…

Research on cognitive load theory (CLT) has not yet provided facet-specific measures of cognitive load. The lack of valid methods to measure intrinsic, extraneous and germane cognitive load makes it difficult to empirically test theoretical explanations of effects caused by manipulations of instructional designs. This situation also imposes…

An instructional design model defining instruction as creation of a learning environment that supports learners' construction of knowledge was tested with 32 learners. Findings suggested that the learning environment was effective in supporting learners' construction of complex knowledge structures. (SK)

The purpose of this project was to develop new information and analyses that would contribute to development of a systematic understanding of cognitive structure, including its acquisition and utilization during problem solving. Experimental and theoretical work was done on three specific problems. (1) Studies of individual differences and effects…

Tested the effectiveness of a cognitive control approach in the treatment of special education learning handicapped children. Employed a pretest-posttest design, using a special education treatment group, a special education control group, and a regular class comparison group. The special education treatment group made significant gains. (Author)

This book, containing conference papers and a summary of activities, focuses on the contributions which current research in cognitive psychology can make to the solution of problems in instructional design. The first three parts of the book include sets of research contributions followed by discussions: part one deals with different strategies for…

The renewed interest in teaching thinking skills results from concern about the failings of the current system. Some thinking skills programs emphasize cognitive processes, while others are concerned with heuristics, development of formal operations, language and symbols, or thinking as subject matter. (TE)

Cognition research can be used to improve social studies textbook design. Salient findings from research dealing with information processing styles, developmental differences, retention of key materials, and instructional principles are reviewed. Illustrative implications of these findings for the design of social studies texts are presented.…

Examines the relationship between the development of cognitive processes and the effects of instruction on learning and transfer. The study suggests that instructional treatments should be designed in relation to the child's developing information processing strategies and his previous experience. Subjects were 482 fourth- and fifth-grade…

Reviews research on the storage and retrieval processes of memory and describes an information processing learning theory capable of interpreting the findings. Prescriptive aspects of the theory are applied to the problem of designing textual materials to enhance learning and retention, and a framework to stimulate future research is provided.…

A discussion of research on the use of the task analysis procedures by both content specialists and instructional psychologists in instructional design. (HB)

Drawing on the exam responses from a graduate teacher education course, this paper analyzes four general difficulties teachers have in implementing inductive teaching methods. Based on Piaget's model of how children learn, inductive teaching is an instructional methodology that begins with concrete instances of a concept, and encourages learners…

An overview is presented of the Guided Self-Analysis System for Professional Development (GSA) for teaching young children. The GSA system and programs are reviewed along with staff involvement, staff responsibilities, the emphasis on flexibility, change in the classroom, and implementation procedures. The GSA early childhood program is then…

This paper identifies and analyzes the relationship between experiential science instruction, language arts, and cognitive development to provide information and recommendations concerning the integration of elementary science and language instruction. Annotated citations are provided grouped under the following categories: (1) recent status of…