The foundations of knowledge by tradition have been treated analytically, and knowledge has been characterized as a theoretical subject. This article introduces a steering mechanism as the prerequisite for a study of knowledge work and maintenance on empirical grounds. Knowledge is treated synthetically, that is, as something that exists only…

This paper examines and critiques several learning style inventories (LSI) in an effort to find the optimal research instrument for a proposed empirical study of both the quality of courseware and the impact of courseware characteristics on variations of learning effectiveness due to learner characteristics. Five LSIs are examined: (1) Dunn LSI;…

A theoretical model of cultural acquisition, the cultural proficiency model, is based on the premise that culture is learned, and can and should be learned in the language classroom. The model can be represented as a spiral continuum of awareness and behaviors; it is based on the premise that there can be no functional use of the second language…

The theoretical foundations of thinking skills models differ. One category of thinking skills programs uses the cognitive process approach on the premise that thinking abilities depend upon certain fundamental processes. Thinking skills programs that present a strategic approach to thinking are called heuristics-oriented programs, and focus on an…

This paper explores new technologies, including computers and videodiscs, considering what they offer to education, how they can help contain educational costs, and how schools can begin to plan a smooth transition from today's primitive classroom environment to the electronically-equipped classroom of tomorrow. The introduction discusses general…

A proposed student model consisting of a set of programs to represent the student's knowledge state. Teaching proceeds after a comparative evaluation of student and teacher programs, and learning is represented by direct modification of the student model. The advantages of an explicit procedural model are illustrated by considering a program which…

Reported is a study based on the summary findings of a series of studies which indicated that many children who receive organized instruction designed around the few major concepts of science do, in fact, use scientific models to explain their observations of natural phenomena. The instruction that children in the study received was delivered by…

In this report of a project on curriculum planning, a new language is developed for analyzing and describing "the curricular-instructional subsystem." Some of the data come from the author's experiences in planning and directing the Experimental Freshman-Year Program (EFP) at San Francisco State College, but most were collected at the…

Models for planned changes in schools are presented in this document and are aimed at increasing student achievement and satisfaction. Following a brief introduction which highlights a challenge for effective change and some suggested procedures for implementing the models, each model is presented in detail. The four models are: (1) The School…

Two separate subject matter areas, which were felt to represent two distinct types of learning situations, were selected for investigation, namely, a kind of logico-mathematical procedure--the transportation technique, and a visual form discrimination task--aircraft recognition. Two separate courses were developed for each subject matter area. One…

Three aspects of concept teaching might be guided by the conceptual learning and development model. First, by assessing the characteristics of cognitive style, classificatory skills, and logical reasoning ability, the student's readiness to attain concepts under various circumstances can be determined. Secondly, the model points to optimal methods…

Reported is an evaluation of the Child-Structured Learning in Science (CSLS) Curriculum using the intellectual models of Piaget and Guilford. A cognitive test instrument was designed to measure cognition of figural classes (CFC), convergent production of figural classes (NFC), evaluation of figural classes (EFC), cognition of figural relations…

Several concepts and techniques used to design computer simulation of human performance were employed in developing an information processing approach to task analysis. This new approach is compared and contrasted with Gagne's hierarchical task analysis model. Two conceptual levels of a behavioral objective are identified. One level, referred to…

Emphasizing the need for process rather than product-oriented education, this paper introduces a new conceptual model for observing the classroom as a total process. The new model is a blending of dramaturgic concepts and theory with the classroom teaching/learning process. The author draws an analogy based upon Kenneth Burke's Dramatistic…