The development of learning theory and its application to computer-assisted instruction (CAI) are described. Among the early theoretical constructs thought to be important are E. L. Thorndike's concept of learning connectisms, Neal Miller's theory of motivation, and B. F. Skinner's theory of operant conditioning. Early devices incorporating those…

In the first section of this two-part report, Donald H. Ecroyd discusses a proposed working model for developing speech programs which contains (1) a rationale for speaking and listening instruction at all levels, (2) a diagram of specific objectives and a schematic design for translating these into a speech program, (3) suggestions for classroom…

A booklet of a programmed-instruction type was developed to obtain the measures needed to test Carroll's model of school learning, including ability, aptitude, quality of instruction, opportunity for learning, perserverance, and time criterion. Simple rules in an artificial foreign language were taught by means of the booklet to sixth-grade…

In a 1973 Smithsonian behavioral science project, observational methods were used to record school group behaviors during docent guided tours in the National Museum of History and Technology. The purpose of this exploratory study was to reveal the natural museum habitat and criterion behaviors of visiting fourth through sixth graders. Children's…

In this progress report of an interdisciplinary consortium effort, Project 2, Literature Search in Reading, funded by USOE's Targeted Research and Development Program in Reading, the author summarizes the project objectives, milestones, and strategies used to accomplish these milestones. The objectives as reported are (1) to identify and evaluate…

When the task of evaluating student learning is carefully considered, two major problems emerge. One is the gathering of the most appropriate and precise evidence possible about the learning. The other is the setting of performance standards against which this evidence may be weighed and the adequacy of each student's learning judged. This paper…

Defines computerized functional business games as those focusing on decision making and integration in the areas of accounting/finance, marketing, personnel/human resources, and production/operations. Nine currently available games are reviewed and evaluated in the context of a learning model. (Author/LRW)

Describes a humanistic approach to in-service education called colearning, where participants are actively involved in the learning process. Colearning suggests that designers of adult learning experiences consider the relationship between adult development, life events, and resulting changes in learning patterns. Describes use of the concept in…

Examines the need for integrating assumptions about learning processes with the decisions typically made when designing instructional systems. The relationships between learning theory and instructional design are discussed, and suggestions offered for improving the design process. Extensive references are included. (Author/BK)

Research on levels of questioning and their effects on learning is reviewed. It is shown that higher level questions facilitate reproductive and productive knowledge, but the reasons why are not clearly understood. An information processing model which accounts for question level effects is discussed. (MH)

Ratcliff's theory of memory retrieval which posits parallel processing and Sternberg's serial processing explanation of memory scanning are reviewed and contrasted. Discrepancy between the two theories may arise because they focus on different aspects of the data. If scanning without comparisons takes place, the two views may be reconciled.…

Provides suggestions for developing effective communication between students and their teachers. 350 elementary students responded on how well they thought their teachers listened to their story-telling. (RK)

Elucidates the psycholinguistic mechanics of the "output hypothesis" and argues that output serves an important role in second language acquisition because it generates specific input the cognitive system needs to build up a coherent set of knowledge. The article hypothesizes that the locus of the effect of output is in the transition of…

Presents a literature review seeking to answer four questions: (1) What is washback? (2) How does washback work? (3) How can we promote positive washback? and (4) How can we investigate washback? A model is proposed that identifies participants, processes and products which may influence or be influenced by, washback. Strategies for investigating…

Emphasizes that auditory lexical decision has wide applicability and that the paradigm is currently used to study basic processes in word recognition, the nature of the mental lexicon, effects of word frequency, neighbor effects and various other phenomena of isolated word perception. Article reviews the strengths and weaknesses of this task. (54…