Examines some of the issues that underlie the conceptual structure of the computational approach to cognition. Finds that this approach construes symbolization too narrowly, thereby blocking more adequate treatments of learning and acquisition of skills. Discusses the notion of symbol and symbolization and suggests an alternative approach to the…

Examines Kolers and Smythe's 1984 paper on the computational approach to cognition. Considers: (1) five specific criticisms of the computational approach, (2) their analysis of the conceptual basis of symbolization, and (3) their proposed alternative approach. Summarizes their position and discusses its shortcomings. (SED)

Discusses Kolers and Smythe's 1984 paper on the computational approach to cognition. Suggests some factors that support the continued emphasis on the analytic approach of the psychological representation of knowledge, but also acknowledges that they have provided a useful set of distinctions and at least one vocabulary for describing them. (SED)

Ausubel asserts that his work is impugned in various ways in Anderson, Spiro, and Anderson. This paper argues that a more careful reading of the original paper obviates most of Ausubel's concerns. (Author/GK)

Anderson, Spiro, and Anderson (EJ 189 658) assert that the author's assimilation theory of meaningful learning and retention is "hopelessly vague." Documented examination of these assertions indicates that they are unspecified, unsubstantiated, undocumented, and based on indisputable misrepresentation of published material and on logical…

The author presents findings from brain hemisphere research indicating a complex dual memory process which separately and simultaneously processes input through visual and verbal encoding strategies. He draws implications from this for educational goals, instructional methods, and student evaluation procedures. (SJL)

This first installment in a series of edited transcripts based on a conference held at Utah State University in 1987 reviews the main points of Gagne's Learning Theory. Categories of human performance that are discussed include verbal information, intellectual skills, cognitive strategies, attitudes, and motor skills. (Three references) (LRW)

Describes a technology of text display that can help to make learning from text more effective. Topics discussed include the effect of text displays on the ways learners process information; implications of these effects for instructional design; and how text displays join with text content to help with verbal, experiential, and visual processing.…

Cognition, as a key semantic descriptor, is examined to discover how its use reveals Western attitudes toward knowledge acquisition and toward art as a subject area. (Author/CS)

A study examined variables that affect the acquisition of automaticity of verbal skills. Among the variables examined were practice, novelty or familiarity of a word or word category, the speed and efficiency with which persons acquire automaticity, reaction time, and number of tasks performed concurrently. Subjects, 30 sixth and seventh grade…

Current writings on the functions of the left and right hemispheres of the brain are examined, focusing upon possible implications for improving present educational techniques. It has been generally accepted by researchers that the organizational and verbalizing processes are functions of the left cerebral hemisphere, while creative and intuitive…

Popular beliefs and research on modes of thinking among artists and scientists promote the idea that artists are motivated primarily by emotion and intuition, while scientists are stimulated primarily by logic and reason. This dichotomy and its implications for art education are discussed and criticized. (Author/IS)