This study aims to report the effort on teaching vector algebra using free open source software (FOSS). Recent studies showed that students have difficulties in learning basic physics concepts. Constructivist learning theories suggest the use of visual and hands-on activities in learning. We will report on the software used for this purpose. The…

The recent educational reform in Hong Kong has emphasized students' learning to learn. To facilitate the ability of learning to learn, students need to: trust their own capabilities; like academic work; be intrinsically motivated such that they are task and effort oriented; be ready to broaden their knowledge and skills by reading and exploring;…

This report presents a literature review and conceptual model summarizing the influence of peer effects on learning outcomes. The report describes the approach to the review and provides a theoretical account of the environments, mechanisms, and processes that mediate learning among peers. It then summarizes the literature on compositional effects…

This book explores how the arts, with their focus on aesthetic ways of knowing, impact the learning of our college students. Chapter 1, "Jamie: A Learner Profile," profiles the learning of Jamie, an elementary art teacher who was a student in a 2-week summer courses. The book starts with this profile to metaphorically prime the pump with images,…

This study uses two national data sets to explore the relationship between faculty practices and student engagement. Our findings suggest that students report higher levels of engagement and learning at institutions where faculty members use active and collaborative learning techniques, engage students in experiences, emphasize higher-order…

Reading research continues to identify phonemic awareness and knowledge of the alphabetic principle as key factors in the literacy acquisition process and to indicate that they greatly facilitate decoding efforts. While research indicates that phonemic awareness and alphabetic knowledge are necessary to literacy acquisition, many early childhood…

Noting that linguistic intelligence is often the primary focus of teaching young children, this paper examines the relationship between children's learning and their social-emotional development. The paper first describes the preschools of Reggio Emilia and the theory of multiple intelligences. The paper then synthesizes research on children's…

A discussion of the work of Lev Vygotsky in the field of cognitive development focuses on how the Vygotskian concepts of internalization and mediated knowledge are crucial to the development of both learner and teacher autonomy in second language instruction. Focus is on theory, with empirical studies used as illustration. First, the Vygotskian…

This study investigated the effects of an inductive reasoning training program on children's performance on intelligence test tasks, the range of transfer, the long-term effects of training over 4 months, and the effectiveness of group training. Participating were 47 third-grade children of average ability. The 23 children randomly assigned to the…

The discussion of the role of verbal interaction in second language learning focuses on the process the learner undergoes in acquiring linguistic knowledge in a second- or foreign-language (L2) situation. The introductory section provides a general discussion of language learning and the acquisition of both linguistic and non-linguistic knowledge.…

This book shows teachers how they can channel children's kinesthetic language into constructive learning experiences, demonstrating what a natural route physicality can be to content-area instruction. The book introduces elementary teachers to the process of identifying, creating, and implementing lessons that encourage students to learn by using…

Native language acquisition is a natural and non-natural stage-by-stage process. The natural first stage is development of speech and listening skills. In this stage, competency is gained in the home environment. The next, non-natural stage is development of literacy, a cultural skill taught in school. Since oral-aural native language development…

Previous works on educators who built the field of early childhood education do not provide the researcher with primary and secondary sources or information on multicultural educators, nor do they discuss some of the more current leading educators. This reference book provides biographies and bibliographies of selected pre-modern and modern men…

This paper outlines assumptions and principles related to computer mediated learning (CML) and suggests instructional design and classroom strategies for CML planning and practice. The pedagogy of control is contrasted with the pedagogy of choice and the latter constructivist viewpoint is recommended as the basis of CML. Assumptions about learning…

Training represents a significant portion of the adult education market, yet many believe the principles of training are not aligned with principles of adult education. A literature review supports the inclusion of training within the adult education field by comparing their respective philosophies and aims, their assumptions about adult learners…