Reports on a qualitative study of teaching-learning by analogy that explores whether fifth-grade students' successful use of analogy in learning science was related to their understanding of a specific analogy; their metacognitive awareness of how the analogy was to be used and of the changes produced in their conceptual structures. (57…

An analysis is presented of a conceptual change model for describing student learning by applying research on student learning to the process of conceptual change. Four general motivational constructs are suggested as potential mediators of the process. The role of classroom contextual factors is also discussed. (SLD)

A new integrative learning model has been designed to help corporate educators facilitate employee learning transfer and on-the-job performance. The model's components are as follows: (1) access new information, ideas, experiences, and/or perspectives; (2) identify relevance and value based on integrated life experience and wisdom; (3) engage in…

In most elementary schools in the United States, students get their first systematic introduction to history as a discipline and to chronological treatment of U.S. history as subject matter in fifth-grade U.S. history courses. To develop information about the knowledge and misconceptions concerning U.S. history that fifth-grade teachers can expect…

The purpose of this study was to determine whether different types of practice strategies are equally effective in facilitating encoding strategies and in subsequent information acquisition and retrieval by students identified as possessing high, medium, and low prior knowledge levels in a content area. Within the context of the…

Predicated on the assumption that many of the problems exhibited by learning disabled children arise from difficulties they have in processing information, the program of research described in this paper was undertaken to (1) identify reading comprehension difficulties that are due to disorders in the reader, and (2) design and test effective…

Reported is the production of an instructional methodology harmonizing with Piagetian theory and enabling teenage students, including those initially mismatched to the task, to understand the mole, as revealed by their performances on a test of basic skills considered fundamental to that concept. (DS)

Two experiments assessed the effects of activation of prior knowledge through small-group discussion. College students (n=39) and Dutch secondary school students (n=88) were asked to elaborate on possible explanations of a natural phenomenon. Data suggested that such activation of prior knowledge can be a successful instructional strategy. (SLD)

Maintains that preservice education courses (or "methods" courses) need to provide teacher candidates with opportunities to use their own stories and experiences in a naturalistic or "researching" approach to teaching young children. This approach will help preservice teachers learn how children use their past experiences…

Presents results from empirical studies of physics learning for different age groups using a situated cognition perspective to construct detailed understandings of how individual learning processes unfold. Contains 35 references. (PVD)

Scientists and students often believe that if they just think harder about a problem, a solution will follow. However, thinking about one's thinking, or using metacognition, can be a more productive expenditure of mental energy. Introducing students to metacognition allows them to discover the value of reflection. This article presents a lesson on…

Examines the concept of the cognitively active learner and discusses the following categories of learning strategies: rehearsal, elaboration, organization, comprehension monitoring, and affective. (NKA)

Discusses a study of six senior English majors at the University of Houston, three of whom intended to be teachers and three who did not. Concludes that English teachers' prior experience as students has a crucial impact on the way they view teaching. (JC)

Determined effects of including supplementary readings designed to help students (N=233) relate physics to other fields. Both achievement and attitude were measured and significant improvement differences were found for both due to the treatment. Sources for the supplemental readings are cited. (JM)

This case study examines the learning tasks associated with undergraduates' use of a computer graphics presentation package at The Queen's University (Belfast, Ireland). Results of a summative evaluation are discussed, including the role of the lecturer, learning resources, and group participation; and prior knowledge is considered. (LRW)