Forty U.S. and 70 Israeli occupational therapy students received lecture or group discussion treatments in groups based on active versus reflective learning styles. Matching reflective style with lectures and active style with discussion resulted in better problem-solving performance and shorter learning time. (SK)

Investigated differences in achievement of 221 kindergartners with different cognitive tempos. Results suggest that kindergartners who exhibit an impulsive cognitive tempo may be judged by teachers as being less academically and socially competent than other kindergartners. (RJC)

Discussion of expert and novice performance and the organization of knowledge focuses on a study that investigated the influence of mental models on performance differences between expert and novice service technicians who troubleshoot faculty generator sets. Behavioral and cognitive methods of analysis are described, and implications for…

Investigated whether consultees' problem definition skills could be enhanced by increasing their awareness of processes during consultation. Assigned undergraduates (N=195) to consultation with or without cognitive modeling or to control group. Results revealed that subjects in cognitive modeling group wrote better problem definitions and were…

Investigates several aspects of undergraduate students' rules for projectile motion including general patterns; rules for questions about time, distance, solids and liquids; and changes in rules when asked to ignore air resistance. Reports approach differences by sex and high school physics experience, and that novice rules are situation…

Subjects (n=156) completed the Kirton Adaptation-Innovation Inventory as well as Guilford's Consequences and Alternate Uses tests. Compared to adaptors, innovators produced a higher number of uncommon responses on the Consequences test and produced more responses on the Alternate Uses test. Results are discussed with reference to the distinction…

The relationship between cognitive style, achievement motives, and problem solving performance was investigated in two studies involving a total of 362 Norwegian high school students solving insight problems. Findings support the hypothesis of optimal motivation of Atkinson (1980). (SLD)

Offers five suggestions to help students assess the reasonableness of their answers: (1) giving students a variety of problems; (2) facilitating students' discussions and interpretations of the problem conditions; (3) encouraging students to estimate answers before carrying out calculations; (4) encouraging students to ask whether their answers…

Provides new evidence for mathematical problem-solving abilities of preschool children. These problem-solving behaviors occurred in a study of sharing of discrete items by dealing, in which we examined the abilities of three categories of counters to solve a discrete redistribution problem. Identifies problem-solving strategies used in the context…

Presents study results suggesting some malleability in learning strategies that flow from cognitive style. Examines the effects and practicability of restructuring training as a means of addressing individual learner differences. Reports that training enhanced performance on two dependent measures tasks. Concludes that field-dependent learners…

A study in a Dutch law school investigated interactions between students' learning orientation (internalizing/meaning, dependent, minimalistic, achieving/strategic) and appreciation of aspects of structure (content, organization, social) in the educational environment and curriculum. A consistent pattern of student attitudes that varied according…

Discusses computer-based training (CBT) methods that emphasize an interactive learning environment but do not require video. Topics addressed include cognitive processes; different levels of interaction, including simulation or problem solving; the use of icons and buttons; hypertext; differences in learning styles; and thought-provoking…

Approximately 30% of 171 college students reported some dysphoria. Depressed mood states were associated with dysfunctional attitudes and self-esteem problems; not with gender or self-reported problem-solving ability. First-year students reported highest levels of dysphoria, but there appeared to be consistent, gradual improvements, such that by…

Describes results from two independent investigations of college students that were conducted to study the impact of differences in users' cognition and search tasks on Web search activities and outcomes. Topics include cognitive style; problem-solving; and implications for the design and use of the Web and Web search engines. (Author/LRW)

The goal of this study was to identify the relationships between the learning choices made by pupils and their personal characteristics, including cognitive style (field dependence--independence), a motivational variable (feeling of self-efficacy), and a cognitive variable (task representation). The participants were 64 twelve-year-old sixth…