A growing subset of the web today is aimed at "teaching" and "explaining" technical concepts with varying degrees of detail and to a broad range of target audiences. Content such as tutorials, blog articles and lecture notes is becoming more prevalent in many technical disciplines and provides up-to-date technical coverage with…

This paper describes a study in which we investigated relationships between defining mathematical concepts--increasing and decreasing infinite sequences--explaining their meanings and classifying consistently with formal definitions. We explored the effect of defining, explaining or studying a definition on subsequent classification, and the…

Today's engineers and technologists are more frequently thrust into the role of problem solver. Some would argue that, if this is the case, then using simulation is a more acceptable way to educate students for the work environment they will enter. The authors wanted to introduce entry-level university students to advanced engineering concepts…

Using a constructionist framework in music, specifically through an emphasis on composition, is revolutionizing the field of music and education by bridging the gap between the novice and professional. Much of the research has been spearheaded by Jeanne Bamberger and others, who noted the computer's potential to highlight what it means to be a…

KEY CONCEPTS, TERMS, AND TECHNIQUES IN PROGRAMED INSTRUCTION ARE PRESENTED IN THIS PROGRAMED PRIMER, WHICH BEGINS BY DEMONSTRATING THE USE OF FORMAL AND THEMATIC PROMPTS IN THE UTILIZATION OF A STUDENT'S REPERTOIRE. NEW RESPONSES ARE INTRODUCED INTO THIS REPERTOIRE BY THE USE OF COPYING FRAMES, EMPHASIS PROMPTS, AND PANELS. THE DESIGN OF SEQUENCES…

The instructional design presented in this article discusses a procedure for arranging and sequencing examples and nonexamples for concept teaching in the classroom. Concepts are divided into two types: definition and observation. A definition concept is one in which the critical attributes are determined by the definition, e.g., war. Observation…

Previous research has shown that sequences in which instances from the same category appear successively facilitate performance in concept attainment. This could be due to subjects adopting strategies which involve comparisons of instances from within the same category. However, if subjects were to adopt a strategy involving comparisons of…

The editorial maintains that the perspective of hierarchical learning used in school science teaching should also be realized at college level science teaching. Perhaps the best teachers and intense attention should be devoted to the teaching of a introductory course where the concepts upon which further knowledge is based are learned. (PS)

Describes methods for item construction for computer-based instruction (CBI). Use of a rational set generator (RSG) in presenting an adaptive sequence of items to the learner is described; a model matrix of a computer-based RSG is presented; concrete and defined concepts are discussed; and rule using is explained. (Four references) (LRW)

The Suzuki talent education method, which combines sequential learning with continual review, is described. The method can be used in developing high levels of musical awareness, technical skill, and artistry in extremely young performers from very different backgrounds. How teachers of choral music might use it is discussed. (RM)

Shows how elaboration theory (ET) sequences the concepts in a taxonomy and argues that the product of an ET analysis is usually in general agreement with sequencing based on learning prerequisite relationships, and that ET sequencing of taxonomic concepts will not violate learning prerequisite relationships. (Author/MER)

Questions the approach used to the topic of energy in Nuffield Secondary Science. Indicates that 14-year-old children will not be able to generalize from the experiments to see a pattern energing, and the concept of energy involves understanding of other concepts that the children have not yet attained. (GS)

A total of 169 college students participated in two experiments investigating the effects of eight instructional sequences and the presence of a heuristic rule in the teaching of four coordinate concepts: trochaic, iambic, dactylic, and anapestic poetic meters. A four-factor experimental design was used: pure simultaneous or sequential…

In the first of three studies, separately reported, the effects of prompting and sequencing on a science concept task were studied with college students. The data analysis showed that the prompting procedure was significantly different from a no-prompting condition; prompting seemed to negate the affect of the defined concept instructional…