Several common errors reflecting difficulties in probabilistic reasoning are identified, relating to ambiguity, previous outcomes, sampling, unusual events, and estimating. Knowledge of these mistakes and interpretations may help mathematics teachers understand the thought processes of their students. (MNS)

This study demonstrated a reliable method of determining the attributes of prose materials on an imagery-concreteness scale, and evaluated the effects of an advance organizer and a learning passage on learning and retention when the attributes of these passages are defined on a concrete-imagery continuum. (Author/PN)

Discusses the interactional model of learning and the andragogical model of the learner, then examines the implications of these two perspectives in detail with special emphasis on how they affect the college reading specialist's encounters with students who are concerned with independent learning strategies. (FL)

In two experiments, preschool children had better recall when the subjects and objects of sentences read aloud were also depicted pictorially. Learning was not enhanced by illustrating only the sentence subject or object. Sixteen references are listed. (Author/JJD)

Using various musical selections, researchers compared learning rates and styles of fifth-grade and senior citizen choruses. The younger and older learners were compared by their performances (tone, pitch, and note retention). Results indicated the older adults performed better. Available from College of Education, Kansas State University,…

Evaluated the possibility that three-year-olds solve small-number conservation problems by an empirical procedure whereby the sets are quantified each time presented. Children chose the more numerous of two arrays, one containing two elements and the other three elements. Results disconfirmed claims that three-year-olds can conserve small numbers.…

A study was done to determine the usefulness of the components of a knowledge of results (KR) statement for organizing response correction. Errors in direction and distance components of a KR statement testing psychomotor skills were manipulated across four groups. The groups receiving directional information were more accurate in error…

Taking a test on a passage one has just studied is known to enhance later retention. This effect was influenced by the type of initial test used. It was evident in the case of the initial short-answer test, but not in the case of multiple choice and free recall tests. (Author/RD)

This study investigated the extent to which various latent class models adequately described elementary rule-governed mathematical behaviors. Children were given a fraction concepts test. Results supported the adoption of a set of three-class models including a mastery class, a nonmastery class, and a transitional class to describe the data.…

Examined the effectiveness of rehearsal training and strategy awareness to train groups of mildly retarded and normal children in using mature information processing techniques. Recall scores on a training task were influenced by rehearsal training, but neither the rehearsal and strategy conditions nor their combination influenced recognition of…

Notes the connections between the process of writing and the process of intellectual discovery. Reviews some studies of the inquiry process and applies their results to the goals and methods of teaching composition. (RL)

Reports results of a study to assess ability of children from different age groups (N=144) to generalize two hierarchically related concepts (Insect and Animal) with and without instruction in the form of a mental set. Also examined effects of age, I.Q., and sex on ability to generalize these concepts. (Author/JN)

Contends that comprehension is the specific result of a reader's interaction with the text and the context in which the interaction occurs. Offers four features that might form the context of comprehension: methods of measurement, instructional environment, the text, and individual differences within the reader. (FL)

Recent research on visual imagery mnemonic techniques is compared to research in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Results of recent research are discussed in terms of practical implications for education. (Author/MH)

The dimensions of the "literacy crisis" go beyond why students can't write to why their parents, teachers, and community leaders can't communicate. Solutions to the problem require complete reevaluation of the relationships between writing and the individual. (MSE)