Developed is a working definition of the concept of preformal proof through the analyses of an action proof, a geometric-intuitive proof, and a reality-oriented proof of a differential equation. Instructional problems for teachers and learners in connection with preformal proofs are pointed out. (MDH)

A study examined the effect of conceptual kinesiology training on the feedback patterns of preservice physical educators who, before and after training, viewed videotapes of familiar and novel skills then provided corrective feedback. Training resulted in significant increases in the corrective, accurate trial-specific feedback for both skills.…

The effect of graphic organizers on 14 learning-disabled students' (grades 5 and 6) recall of science content was compared with that of students taught identical content without the graphic organizer condition. Evaluation two weeks later found no statistically significant differences between the groups on production or choice response tasks. (DB)

The Directed Inquiry Approach to Learning Science Process Skills and Scientific Problem Solving [DIAL(SPS)2] is described. Concept mapping, advance organizers, Vee diagrams, the theme approach, and focusing are used to help students develop science process skills. (KR)

Examines the philosophy of the whole-language approach to teaching and learning. Whole language stresses that language should remain whole and uncontrived and children should use it in ways that relate to their own lives. Answers are not as important as learning processes in the whole-language approach. (SM)

A third grade teacher explains how he utilized cooperative learning and a reward system to encourage a disruptive student to change his behavior. The teacher scored each team on group accomplishments. As the child learned to work with others, his attitude changed and his academic ability benefited the team. (SM)

Describes alternative technology-based support services for at-risk students. Discusses at-risk students' academic needs and advantages of computer-aided instruction, interactive video, etc., in supporting learning. Profiles the use of technology-based modules at Florida State University to help students prepare for the College Level Academic…

Forty-five average and 45 poor readers (grades 5-6) received either didactic teaching or self-instruction of the "3H" mnemonic reading comprehension strategy relating to text explicitness, text implicitness, or script implicitness, or received no training. Self-instructional training was more effective in enhancing and maintaining…

Describes the guess-and-check method and discusses the advantages of using computers to apply the methods to solve mathematics problems. Provides two examples that use BASIC programs to illustrate the method. (MDH)

Argues current social studies reform movement raises false dichotomy between those who would emphasize content of history geography and those who would focus on critical thinking or information processing skills. Contends real goal of social studies should be practical citizenship competencies/participation. Concludes that teachers should create…

Studied prior knowledge as a mediator of effectiveness of the elaborative interrogation strategy for 50 male and 50 female undergraduates in a learning task. The elaborative interpretation group had significantly greater matching scores on an associative memory test for animal information than the control group only for familiar animals. (SLD)

This interview study examined the perceptions and beliefs about cognitive strategy instruction of 31 classroom teachers of underachieving students and 9 strategy researchers. Teachers and researchers generally agreed about components of strategy instruction and when to teach them; one difference was the tendency of researchers to relegate each…

Explores the use of verbal report data in describing second-language learning and production strategies, noting controversies regarding the validity of verbal report data, and describing a study that pointed out the limited nature of learners' repertoire for handling such feedback. (76 references) (Author/CB)

Presents a method for initiating discovery learning in early childhood classrooms through the study of ants. Children read about ants, record observations, and conduct experiments. This method teaches children to explore the environment, organize activities, seek resources, and engage in scientific inquiry. Examples of children's work are…

Describes how selected case examples are used in a mathematics course for prospective elementary teachers to provide a framework for discussing how children construct meaning in mathematics. The article examines the advantages of presenting cases in videodisc format with access to additional information through associated computer databases. (SM)