Children from four to eight years of age were asked to construct a three-dimensional toy under one of three conditions: 40 children viewed a filmed demonstration of the procedure, 40 children were provided with a series of photographs depicting critical stages in the construction, and a third group of 30 students acted as controls. (Author/RH)

Discusses the nature of curiosity in students and ways to stimulate it. Includes a checklist to help collect information about student curiosity levels and offers suggestions to develop a high degree of curiosity in students. Suggestions include using variety, novelty, change, and discrepant events. (Author/JN)

A quantitative theory of teaching suggests that more teaching leads to more learning. Supplementing this is a qualitative theory of teaching, suggesting that learning is largely unafffected by the form of teaching. Four approaches accounting for the qualitative principle of teaching are discussed, including implications for science curriculum and…

Discusses origins and nature of science anxiety and describes the Science Anxiety Clinic, outlining techniques used at the clinic. Techniques include science skills training and psychological interventions. Comments on the connection between science anxiety and cognitive processes in science learning. (Author/JN)

Investigated how 14-year-old students (N=84) perceived good and bad learning experiences in school, how and why they judged specific learning experiences as good or bad, and what they perceived to influence these judgments. During interviews, students told stories of an actual event and feelings expressed at that time. (Author/MP)

Discusses various ways microcomputers can increase the efficiency of classroom instruction and learning, including, among others, reducing administrative/clerical tasks and conducting drill/tutoring sessions for students. (DC)

Surveys various forms of Individualized Instruction (II) at German universities, describes the development of an II program at the University of Koln, and reports the results of a project in which II was transferred to several other universities. (CS)

The targeted evaluation approach (TEA) combines student ratings, administrator observation, and measurement of student learning. TEA's five steps are (1) writing learning objectives; (2) developing a plan of instruction; (3) setting performance standards; (4) pretesting and posttesting; and (5) analyzing and judging results. (SK)

The author describes the functions of the two hemispheres of the brain and suggests that educators must learn more about the human brain and set up learning environments where its traits in all individuals may be identified, nurtured, and refined. (KC)

This discussion centers around the dangers in making too precise a particular concept in educational psychology that distinguishes between two types of understanding, instrumental and relational. (MP)

Explains the rationale behind freshman English course assignments in writing, a rationale based on conclusions of three research projects that relate to the writing process. (MKM)

Community colleges are urged to break away from the commercialized athletics modeled by four-year colleges and develop programs that have educational value, focus on the success of the individual, and encourage wide student participation. Focus should be on lifelong involvement in sports and student learning. (JMD)

A double blind, placebo controlled, crossover study using methylphenidate as a standard and two doses of imipramine was carried out in 30 hyperactive children (mean age 8.5 years). Particular emphasis was placed upon imipramine's action on cognitive function, physiological function, and self-esteem, and upon dosage effects. (MP)

Presents synopses of five papers presented at a conference of the Science Teachers of Australia. Topics include the technology of wine making, integrated science, individualized science instruction, formal operational thinking, and deep ocean drilling. (MLH)

The teaching-learning paradox can be resolved using principles of good design and criteria for evaluating good instruction, suggests this professor of psychology. A checklist of criteria for determining the effectiveness of the teaching-learning experience is provided from the point of view of student learning. (LBH)