Learning through peer observation in higher education is most frequently investigated from the perspective of the teacher who is observed. What is under-examined is "how" learning arises for the observer by watching a peer in practice. This paper provides insight into this question through an interpretive-phenomenological analysis of a…

Presents a model for a creative art lesson which uses a mediational approach to modifying creative behaviors. Students learn vicariously through first observing a model demonstrate the complete learning experience. (Author/SJL)

This study examined the effects of similarity to prior examples in predicting errors in dermatologic diagnosis. Two interpretations about the acquisition of expertise are independent cues and instance-based categorization. The subjects (N=16) were first-year family medicine residents from McMaster University (Ontario). (MLW)

Through an understanding of learning theories, both those that are cognitive in focus and those which rely on a stimulus-response paradigm, educators may come to a fuller knowledge of what is involved in languaging acts and to a more complete understanding of how to teach necessary communication skills. This paper provides a brief overview of…

This discussion article addresses the nature of models used in hydrology. It proposes a minimalist classification of models into two categories: models built on data from observations of the processes involved, and those for which there are no observation data on any of these processes, at the scale of interest. (LZ)

Efforts to enhance student motivation can be more effective if they are approached from the perspective of psychological models of what drives human behavior including social learning theory, personal growth as a primary goal, cognitive development theory, self-efficacy theory, and expectancy-value theory. (Author/MLW)

Observational learning is an extremely efficient, rapid training technique for the acquisition of complex behavior patterns in social situation. A modified observational learning (MOL) procedure was developed combining both modeling and microteaching techniques, with the observer serving as the model. The more similar the observer is to the model,…

This paper outlines some of the origins and functions of modeling within a human service training context, particularly counseling psychology, and discusses some of the consequences of modeling as a training method. The materials suggest that an emphasis on affective experience and behavioral methodologies has limited the potential of social…

To provide preservice teachers with exposure to a diverse set of observation experiences, a three-year Iowa State University project will beam live television broadcasts from school classrooms to the university. The process will allow small groups and whole classes of preservice teachers to unobtrusively observe and discuss classroom events as…