Describes a four-month investigation of first grade students' definitions of reading. Analysis of observations, interviews, and documents revealed that students in low- and high-reading groups constructed different understandings about reading. Suggestions for teacher educators include helping students develop "kid-watching" skills and…

A social work education model integrating classroom instruction and field experience, adapted from learning theory positing a four-stage learning cycle, is described. Instructors (in either classroom and practicum) begin with a specific practice situation and, with students, engage in a process of cognitive and personal associations to arrive at…

A discussion of the Linguistic Coding Deficit Hypothesis presents an overview of the theory; describes five prototypes of second-language learners, each illustrated by a distinct language processing profile; and examines how the ability to identify prototypes can help teachers interpret student difficulties and design instruction to address them.…

Explores Maria Montessori's notion that a young child's brain is significantly different from an adult's and that young children develop according to a series of predictable "sensitive periods." Cites numerous empirical studies that support these and other ideas Montessori postulated without the advantage of sophisticated scientific…

Argues that, to maximize a child's educational experience in history/social science, it is imperative that teachers utilize a whole-brain teaching approach by using a variety of experiences that stimulate both sides of the brain. Discusses the three general modes in which students appear to learn: oral, visual, and kinesthetic. Suggests specific…

Discusses the time focused theoretical interpretation of adult education in relation to the integrative achievement of postsecondary education. Contends that a systematic temporal analysis of postsecondary presupposes the clarification of categories such as events, personal time structures, and synchronization. (CFR)

Investigates the relationship between gender and achievement in a computer-integrated, first-year college mainstream calculus course in comparison with a similar non-computer-integrated course. Contains 18 references. (DDR)

Points out that college freshmen expect major changes in the academic environment as they move from secondary school. Recommends that faculty use this opportunity to show students how to think for themselves. (DDR)

Describes design considerations that were made for a software prototype called the Virtual Library that were framed by cognitive research and learning theory. When completed, the software will assist preservice teachers in learning about educational psychology and instructional design. Topics include constructivism, exploratory learning, authentic…

A discussion of cooperative learning in social-work education outlines its characteristics, reviews theory and research supporting its use, examines its relevance to social work, and provides case examples for use throughout the social-work curriculum. (Author/MSE)

Reviews the origins of the concept of cognitive style. Explores the fundamental applications of that style and relevant methods of assessment. Examines the distinction between style, which is likely to be relatively fixed, and strategies which are capable of being learned and developed. Discusses the relationship of style to learning preferences…

Argues that science investigation by young children should not be constrained by rigid curriculum frameworks, but be prompted by natural curiosity, as in the constructivist approach. Maintains that cognitive abilities in science and investigative skills will develop if children are encouraged to test their observations, questions, and hypotheses…

Discussion of nontraditional entrepreneurial universities and challenges that they pose to library administrators at more traditional universities highlights experiences at the University of Phoenix (Arizona). Topics addressed include adult learning theories; curriculum development; learning resource services; accreditation issues; fair use;…

Explains growth pole theory, which is the theory that growth manifests itself at poles of growth, rather than everywhere at once. Applies this theory to community college development, and offers advice for implementing growth poles by taking an entrepreneurial approach to education. (NB)

Because new information-age learning models incorporate experiential education theories and practices, integration of information technology is an opportunity to integrate experiential methods. Scenarios are presented for integrating technology into experiential curricula. Problems include cost, training, lack of quality software, and…