This experiment examined learning differences between students who read instructional examples that varied in the order that information was presented. In an online lesson about advice giving, 275 students were randomly assigned to a learning condition where the order of instructional information moved either from (a) concrete examples to abstract…

"Focus on form" (FonF) is a central construct in task-based language teaching. The term was first introduced by Michael Long to refer to an approach where learners' attention is attracted to linguistic forms as they engage in the performance of tasks. It contrasts with a structure-based approach--"focus on forms" (FonFs)--where…

Reading academic hypertext documents in college brings a new level of complexity that changes the definition of college reading and literacy. Knowing how to read these unpredictable, nonlinear texts requires familiarity and practice. The author describes the nature and usefulness of hypertext, reviews the challenges of reading hypertext, and…

Interest in meaning and meaning making in the context of stressful life events continues to grow, but research is hampered by conceptual and methodological limitations. Drawing on current theories, the author first presents an integrated model of meaning making. This model distinguishes between the constructs of global and situational meaning and…

Discusses approaches to the problem presented in understanding consciousness as a yet undiscovered process of interacting neuron activity. Presents the historical context of research in the area of human awareness and identifies research necessary to scientifically explain how the brain relates to the mind. (MCO)

Describes the biological basis of learning and individuality. Presents an overview of recent discoveries that suggest learning engages a simple set of rules that modify the strength of connection between neurons in the brain. The changes are cited as playing an important role in making each individual unique. (MCO)

Two experiments tested a set of predictions regarding category definitions and categorization latencies. Neither prediction was supported by the experiment results, leading to the formulation of an alternative feature-based model of category definitions using the notion of a polymorphous concept. (Author/AM)

An experiment was designed to determine whether or not images are directly involved in the retrieval process. The results provided evidence for the direct involvement of images in both the encoding and retrieval processes for words. (Author/PN)

Definitions of four rare words were read to 259 undergraduates who were asked to record letters and syllables of the words, at the tip of the tongue. Results corresponded to an earlier study, with morpheme-like clusters evident. Results indicate an organizing memory system for words used in speech. (CHK)

Discusses studies of the neurobiology of memory and cognition. Presents the findings of anatomic and physiological studies of monkeys that have led to discoveries about the structure of working memory. (MCO)

A battery of 28 individually administered tests, comprised of measures derived from the work of Piaget, of simple and complex learning, of language, short-term memory, long-term memory and intelligence were given to 210 children aged 5 to 6 during their first year of schooling. (Editor)

Examines critically the most complete theory of the encoding processes involved in learning (Craik & Lockhart, 1972; Craik, 1973; Craik & Tulving, 1975), and puts forward some suggestions about the processes involved in retrieval. (Author)

This guide addresses issues concerned with the reintegration of students with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) into the classroom. It first provides a definition of TBI and identifies characteristics of students with TBI. The guide then discusses cognitive consequences of TBI, with emphasis on deficits of executive function, attention, and memory.…

This booklet presents strategies developed by six adult basic education (ABE) staff members for helping students with specific learning problems. The strategies were devised through reading, talking with experts in the field, attending a workshop, and experimenting with modified teaching strategies. The guide addresses 36 specific learning…

This study explored two aspects of language expression (defining words and repeating sentences) in samples of 26 Downs Syndrome (DS) and 26 mentally handicapped (MH) adolescents and young adults matched on intelligence and chronological age. Testing included language tests, a comprehensive audiological assessment, and computer-based memory…