This paper addresses many theories of learning and human development which are very similar with regards as to how they suggest learning occurs. The differences in most of the theories exist in how they treat the development of the learner compared to methods of teaching. Most of the major learning theories taught to educators today are based on…

Noted educator Carol Ann Tomlinson shares the insights that shaped her thinking about informative assessment. Informative assessment goes beyond tests and the grade book. It means assessing students both formally and informally in multiple ways and giving frequent, productive feedback on student work. Informative assessment isn't separate from…

Comparison of 224 Pennsylvania secondary agricultural education students with a national sample showed that (1) the Pennsylvania students' cognitive skills were less developed; (2) their preferred responses to information were auditory and emotive; (3) small group and hands-on were preferred environments; and (4) they were less likely to prefer…

The Learning Style Inventory (LSI) measures an individual student's learning style and preference for physical learning environment. LSI scores for 321 students in grades 3, 6, and 7 were correlated to their self-concept scores. Eight LSI variables discriminated significantly between subjects with high and low self-concepts. (SJL)

Challenges 15 popular beliefs held about students and optimal learning environments by citing data from studies of student learning styles. Individual learning styles vary, and academic achievement can be improved by providing flexible teaching styles and classroom environments where students can match their learning styles. Includes extensive…

Thirteen New York City third graders and 72 sixth graders completed a state reading test and the Learning Style Inventory (LSI) by Dunn, Dunn, and Price. Eleven LSI variables accounted for significant differences between high and low achievers in reading. Variables include preferred learning environment, learning modalities, and personality…

Finds that, among 200 Alaskan high school seniors completing the Productivity Environmental Preference Survey (PEPS), natives and non-natives differed significantly from each other and from the PEPS norm group on selected aspects of learning styles. Presents pedagogical recommendations for Alaskan students. Contains 28 references. (SV)

Inconsistent performance by gifted students has been a source of frustration for both parents and educators for decades. Several studies on gifted under achievement point to a connection between student learning styles and classroom performance.This study examined the learning styles of gifted middle school students, student perceptions of the…

Although research over the past 20 years has examined the dynamics of student learning, most initial studies focused on how scholastic aptitude tests and teacher rating scales predicted academic success. This study attempts to determine the relationship between scholastic aptitude and three approaches to learning: (1) presage; (2) process; and (3)…

Most people, including children, have preferences for how they learn about the world. When these preferences are clearly noticeable, they may be thought of as sensory strengths. For some children, sensory strengths develop because of a weakness in another sensory area. For these children, multisensory instruction can be very helpful. Multisensory…

Discusses classroom behavior characteristics associated with black students. Suggests that some characteristics are not conducive to the learning process and should not be accommodated. (FMW)

An action research study attempted to identify the learning style prevalent among 7 male and 3 female adult learners in an Adult Basic Education (ABE) program in New York City and the attributes of a classroom environment that promote the retention of adult learners. These four learning style modalities were considered: concrete experience,…

The mind/body split internalized in Western culture does not acknowledge the body's role in learning. Three environmental education teachers' techniques for engaging all the senses to enhance other ways of knowing include: a comfortable classroom environment, experiencing the natural environment, playfulness, imagination, storytelling, crafting…

Research on learning-disabled secondary school students' academic deficits, response to classroom environment, and response to instructional interventions is integrated with research on metacognition in text learning. A metacognitive orientation is recommended for instructional intervention programs, which should address general comprehension…

Learning how to think is essential for children to grow into responsible citizens and contribute to society. Schools need curricula that support a variety of thinking strategies as students read, write, and study content-area subjects, and learn to evaluate and manage what they do. This book for teachers provides a framework for creating a…