Many college students struggle with first-semester general chemistry. Prior studies have shown that a student's prior knowledge of chemistry, a cognitive factor, does not account for the total variance when measured by examination scores. This study explored the role of self-regulated learning (SRL) to identify the degree of success or failure of…

Purpose: This paper aims to describe a method of teaching that is based on Novak's concept-mapping technique. Design/methodology/approach: The paper shows how concept mapping can be used to measure prior knowledge and how simple mapping exercises can promote the integration of teachers' and students' understandings in ways that are meaningful.…

Explains the difference between rote and experiential/locale learning, their effects on neurons of the brain, and their impact on short- and long-term memory. Draws upon brain research to explore the effects of stress and boredom on learning. Notes programs that employ teaching methods using brain-based theories of learning. (DMM)

This paper describes three models of learning theories, derives optimal presentation strategies for the models, and compares the effectiveness of the strategies in two computer assisted instruction experiments. The three models described are: 1) the linear, or response-insensitive model, in which the error probability for a given item depends on…

The aims of the article are: (1) to outline the general tenets of the "back to basics" movements; (2) to indicate how these tenets go counter to emerging research on hemispheric specialization; and (3) to suggest methods which are brain-compatible and likely to produce competent creative problem solvers. (Author/TG)

Two mathematical models of paired-associate learning were used to develop optimal strategies for presenting spelling words to 42 elementary school children. The study was conducted within a computer-based drill-and-practice project. For the study two computer programs were developed. One program presented and corrected the lists of words. The…

Proposes that although the past 30 years have seen increasing efforts to make mathematics more relevant and useful, schools continue to fail. Argues that forced rote learning is the direct cause of this failure and that improved teaching methods must be developed. Urges that shifts in methodology be phased in gradually. (TW)

Ausubel distinguishes two kinds of human learning: (1) rote learning, relevant only to a small fraction of human learning, is the mechanistic formation of discrete, isolated traces in cognitive structure, usually through a process of conditioning; (2) meaningful learning, characteristic of most human learning, is a process of "subsuming"…

The paper considers the results of theory and research in the psychological aspects of foreign language teaching as sources of guidance in making sound eucational decisions concerning the aims of language teaching at all levels. Major attention is given to the suggestion offered by research findings that language aptitude depends upon a somewhat…