Principles of W. Kintsch's reading comprehension model (1978, 1980) were used to revise an expository text. Two experiments with 170 undergraduates and 125 Air Force recruits indicated that the principled revision conveyed the author's intentions better than the original text, suggesting the model's use for text improvement. (SLD)

The history of motivational research in education is traced through the "Encyclopedia of Educational Research." Major trends are documented, including (1) the drive concept; (2) the motivation-learning distinction; (3) individual differences; and (4) the emergence of cognitive concerns and the self. Current and future trends are…

The role of elaborative interrogation in children's learning of facts was investigated in 2 experiments involving 211 female and 185 male Canadian fourth through eighth graders. When compared to the facts alone, precise elaborations given by the experimenter, or learner-constructed imagery, elaborative interrogation produced better learning in…

This case study examined the changes in a second grade teacher's beliefs about learning and teaching as she resolved the conflicts/dilemmas between her previous views and the emphasis of a project on children's construction of mathematical meanings. Video cameras were used to record each mathematics lesson from one school year. (SLD)

This study examined the relationship that exists between high school teachers' (n=25) understanding of the Piagetian developmental model of intelligence; its inherent teaching procedure, the learning cycle, and classroom teaching practices. The teachers who exhibited a sound understanding of the model were more likely to effectively implement the…

Clarifying the meaning of principal effectiveness as a point of departure in the development of an appraisal system in Connecticut is discussed, focusing on the reasons for an appraisal system, how effectiveness should be defined, where to find relevant information, and how best to organize such information. (SLD)

Presents guidelines that teachers and supervisors can use to make decisions about curriculum content and assessment in programs serving young children three through eight years of age. These decisions concern appropriate curriculum content and assessment; evaluation of curriculum and assessment practices; and the advocacy of appropriate…

Defines some of the minimal conditions for effective instruction in reasoning and rhetoric. Argues that instructors must take account of the learner, pay regard to the cultural embeddedness of knowledge and the means by which that knowledge is assessed and transmitted. (PRA)

Describes a self-paced reading method of instruction used to teach the introduction to cultural anthropology course at Kansas State University. Assigned problems stimulate integration of ethnographic data with concepts. Discusses advantages and disadvantages of this approach based on student course evaluations. (JS)

Describes an honors introductory cultural anthropology course taught at California State University, Chico. Discusses the course design, how course information is made relevant and reinforced, and how students have partial responsibility for the course design. Discusses the use of science fiction books to make material relevant to students. (JS)

Conceptual differences between two popular alternative assessment methods must be clearly differentiated. Portfolios reflect individual development, whereas performance-based assessments reflect curriculum mastery. In combination, these methods provide a complete picture of the student as a learner and constitute a rigorous alternative to…

Two studies compared children's knowledge about the letters in their name with knowledge of other letters. Findings indicated that Australian first graders and U.S. kindergartners and preschoolers had superior knowledge of letter-name, but not letter-sound, for first letter of their first name. Also, U.S. preschoolers were better at printing the…

Humans learn best through stories, define themselves via stories, think in story form, and express their understanding of universal truths through stories. Presents techniques for incorporating oral and written stories into outdoor and classroom curriculum to enhance meaning, promote change through consciousness raising, stimulate student…

Examines the relationship between children's artistic development and issues of learning. Categorizes undergraduate elementary education students' responses to an article on artistic development based on their own experiences. Summarizes the types of student reactions, and suggests implications for instructional practices. (DSK)

Research from the Kaleidoscope Preschool Arts Enrichment Program, developed by Philadelphia's Settlement Music School, shows that the arts prepare children for further learning. Initiated in 1990, Kaleidoscope provides young inner-city children with full-day instruction three or four times weekly in visual arts, music, dance, and drama. Students…