The purpose of these 2 experiments was to determine whether sequential response pattern behavior is affected by partial reinforcement in the same way as other behavior systems. The first experiment investigated the partial reinforcement extinction effects (PREE) in a sequential concept learning task where subjects were required to learn a…

Several ways of structuring the early trials of a complex concept formation task were compared. Training trials were divided into two segments: (1) an asynchronous segment with one relevant and one irrelevant cue held constant while one relevant and one irrelevant cue varied and (2) a synchronous segment with all cues free to vary. The…

The study follows up on the contention that self-controlled feedback schedules benefit learning, because they are more tailored to the performers' needs than externally controlled feedback schedules (Chiviacowsky & Wulf, 2002). Under this assumption, one would expect learning advantages for individuals who decide whether they want to receive…

THE FOLLOWING HYPOTHESES WERE TESTED DURING THIS STUDY--(1) PROVIDING KNOWLEDGE OF CORRECT RESPONSE DOES NOT INCREASE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SMALL STEP-SIZE PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS AT ALL ACHIEVEMENT LEVELS, (2) PROVIDING KNOWLEDGE OF CORRECT RESPONSE DOES INCREASE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF MODERATE STEP-SIZE PROGRAMS AT ALL ACHIEVEMENT LEVELS, AND (3)…

Reviews possible sources of reinforcement in computer assisted instruction and systematic utilization of these sources in courseware design. Sources reviewed include reinforcement from the machine itself; from the content of the instructional modules and its arrangement in a learning sequence; and from sources external to the modules. (MBR)

Describes programed classroom instruction, indicating that it should be sequenced in small steps around complete concepts to elicit responses from students and provide immediate feedback. Notes that this instructional method involves students completely but requires more preparation time and training for the teacher. A sample of programed material…

Each of two experimenters taught one set of 32 prekindergarteners to discriminate four different letter combinations (R-P, Y-V, C-G, and K-X). Each set of children was randomly selected and assigned to two treatment conditions. The treatment consisted of three warm-up trials, 10 actual training trials, and four post-test trials on a…

This annotated bibliography on mastery learning, intended for use by teachers, administrators, curriculum-planners, and researchers, covers writings and reports on the following topics: (1) research reports; (2) use of mastery learning concepts and strategies; (3) task skills analysis; (4) sequential learning; (5) learning hierarchies; (6) task…

By insisting that a student master a skill before progressing to a more complex task, a teacher can help that student build a firm foundation for further learning experiences. (JD)

Describes probabilistic document retrieval systems as a sequential learning process, in which the system learns the parameters of probability distributions describing the frequencies of feature occurrences in relevant and nonrelevant documents. Several techniques for estimating the parameters of distributions are described and the results of tests…

DEVELOPMENT OF NON-MACHINE PROGRAMED INSTRUCTION ACCORDING TO STATE-SPECIFIED EDUCATIONAL GOALS AND TRADITIONAL PSYCHOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES WILL ALLOW EFFICIENT, INDEPENDENT, CONTROLLED LEARNING, BUT MUST BE USED IN COMBINATION WITH CONVENTIONAL INSTRUCTION TO FORTIFY IN PUPILS THE FEELING OF COLLECTIVISM. EXPERIMENTAL WORK WITH SEVENTH GRADE SHOWS…

The two studies detailed in this paper investigated the effects of adaptive sequencing of examples and adaptive feedback on concept learning using computer-based instruction. In the first study, two groups of undergraduate students progressed through a set of five behavior management concepts presented in the rational set generator framework.…

IN APRIL 1965 AT THE PRECONFERENCE WORKSHOP OF THE C AND I (CONFERENCES AND INSTITUTES) DIVISION OF THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY EXTENSION ASSOCIATION, WILBERT MCKEACHIE DEALT WITH CONFEREES' QUESTIONS RELATED TO LEARNING PROBLEMS TO BE CONSIDERED IN PLANNING CONFERENCES AND INSTITUTES. MCKEACHIE BROUGHT OUT THREE MAJOR PRINCIPLES--(1) LEARNING IS…

Discusses reasons for the lack of computer and software use in the classroom, especially on the elementary level. Highlights include deficiencies in available software, including lack of interaction and type of feedback; philosophies of computer use; the psychology of learning and computer use; and suggestions for developing quality software. (4…

Some theoretical considerations for increased use of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in legal education are compared with other teaching methods, empirical evidence of the method's effectiveness is discussed, and some of the activities involving CAI at Harvard Law School are outlined. (MSE)