Focusing on the brain's natural functions, this article discusses specific teacher characteristics, teaching methods, and peripheral stimuli helping to activate appropriate learning behavior. Also identifies particular events and teacher behaviors that block learning and frustrate the brain's efforts to harmonize conflicts and admit new…

Presents a developmental taxonomy which promotes sequencing activities to enhance the potential of matching these activities with learner needs and readiness, suggesting that the order commonly found in the classroom needs to be inverted. The proposed taxonomy (story, skill, and algorithm) involves problem-solving emphasis in the classroom. (JN)

Data from 60 observations of 10 teachers and 10 each of their students showed that type/quality of teaching strategy predicted 37 percent of variance in engagement and that the more indirect the teaching strategy, the greater the students' involvement in learning tasks. Implications of these and other findings are discussed. (Author/JN)

Investigated what effects two instructional strategies (related to student use of manipulative materials) would have on second-grade students' (N=96) development of logical structures. Also examined the effects of sex on logical development. Results indicate that supplying manipulative materials alone is not adequate in promoting development of…

Discusses how teachers can help students make the transition from using manipulative materials to abstract mathematical symbols. Includes: (1) a definition of the transition state; (2) ways to bridge the gap (by asking questions and by using activities); and (3) a specific example (teaching place value). (JN)

Assesses the hazards of models of cognitive development and the positivist views of language that support them. Considers how alternative views of language and learning can help develop a method of teaching that views reading and writing as interpretation and the making of meaning. (RBW)

This brief paper summarizes research on effective instruction in writing for students with learning disabilities. It finds that three components stand out as methods that reliably and consistently lead to improved outcomes in teaching expressive writing to these students. These components are: (1) adhering to a basic framework of planning,…

Article describes an experiment to deterimine how to promote cognitive growth in terms of classroom mathematics learning. (MM)

If human dimensions can be reintroduced into classroom learning as a primary educational function, the learner will become personally involved and his continuing learning will affect a change in his behavior. (IR)

A number of the activities and programs of the Atlanta Public Schools are examined with an eye toward the role media plays in each. (LS)

Describes the problems in teaching children of deprived backgrounds. (Editor)

Describes five stages of children's understanding about energy, reflecting an interaction between what they learn at school and their outside knowledge. Suggests a new approach for teaching the second law of energy, comparing it with the more traditional approach. (DC)