This study tested the notion that the impact of clarity (i.e., structure) on learning is indirect and occurs, in part, through the reduction of cognitive load and subsequently through students' motivation to process instructional information. Two hundred fifty-two students were randomly assigned to one of two text-based lessons (clear or unclear)…

The topic of instructional communication skills of educators is relevant to the learning process, yet the problem exists where many educators are not sufficiently trained in effective instructional communication skills. The outcomes of effective instructional communication skills of educators can enhance communicative cognitive processing,…

While there is ample evidence that children treat words as mutually exclusive, the cognitive basis of this bias is widely debated. We focus on the distinction between pragmatic and lexical constraints accounts. High-functioning children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) offer a unique perspective on this debate, as they acquire substantial…

In 2010, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation's Education Program has established the Deeper Learning Initiative, which focuses on students' development of deeper learning skills (i.e., the mastery of core academic content, critical-thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, communication, and "learn-how-to-learn" skills). Two test…

Article reviews Piaget's views on language and explains why he is not more concerned with this than he is. (AM)

In this article the stages of learning how to read are outlined, and successful methods of teaching reading are described. (JD)

Deals with the provisional grammar known as Learner's Language that foreign language learners develop in the learning process. Data derived from observing Learner's Language have two major implications for foreign language teaching: the reordering of learning sequences, and the need for providing a full communicative context throughout the…

A more natural approach to second language teaching in an academic situation is suggested, as follows: (1) The view of communicative competence and language acquisition in academic learning is sketched; (2) Three basic guidelines are discussed; (3) Practical implications of these guidelines with regard to classroom teaching are noted. (CHK)

By relating research on cognition, child development, and teaching, the author describes the theoretical background of the language experience approach to teaching reading. The close relationship between spoken language and reading and writing skills is discussed. The author lists and describes specific practices for teaching and learning in a…

Emphasizes the importance of participatory, consultative interaction among teachers using the Conference Writing Process (CWP) in the classroom. Describes CWP as inclusive of gender, class, and ethnicity. Discusses how CWP actively involves students in talking, reading, and writing. Considers the appropriateness of this method at one high school.…

In three major reports on higher education, some common problems emerged as recurrent themes: the absence of faculty responsibility for the curriculum as a whole, the lack of structure in baccalaureate programs, emphasis on specialization results in a tendency to downplay the humanities, thinking and problem solving skills are neglected. (MLW)

Describes seven problems designed to enhance the development of four types of student communication in mathematics: (1) describing observations; (2) justifying solutions and solution processes; (3) documenting thinking; and (4) completing or creating mathematical problems. (MDH)

This study examined three groups of postsecondary students using the "Learning Disabilities Diagnostic Inventory" (LDDI). Reasoning scale to determine if there were significant differences in their self-reported reasoning behaviors. The results indicated that none of the students self-reported a "Likely" intrinsic processing deficit. However, some…

An interdisciplinary critical reasoning and reading course (ICCR), developed to address problems of undergraduates who lack critical reasoning and oral and written communication skills, is described in this paper. The first two sections of the paper provide a rationale for the use of collaborative team instruction based on Feuerstein's model of…

This manual in Italian provides a basic theory of reading and writing instruction for kindergarten and first grade teachers working in a bilingual setting. Reading and writing are seen as instruments of communication incorporating psychomotor, perceptual, conceptual, and logical skills. The manual covers the following areas: (1) the development of…