Argues that little is known about the teaching of writing beyond what good teachers have always known: that some students learn without teachers; that some students learn if they are given simple assignments, have their papers read with respect, and are taught the few simple things that can be demonstrated simply. (RS)

A framework for staff development which focuses on acquisition of pedagogical language is presented as a means to increase teachers' cognitive complexity about the teaching-learning process. The language and concepts found in educational theory and research are key factors in enabling teachers' reflective instructional decision making. (JD)

A description is given of how research is being conducted on what teachers are taught and what they learn in 11 diverse preservice, induction, inservice, and alternative route teacher education progams. The work combines case studies of programs with longitudinal studies of participants' learning. (JD)

Uses a cognitive model of learning to identify classroom practices and curriculum characteristics that promote and inhibit learning in elementary and secondary schools. Suggests that recent major Scottish proposals for educational reform will not necessarily elicit changes in teaching strategies that improve student achievement. Contains 42…

Summarizes research on inquiry and investigative strategies for teaching laboratory science. Concludes that meaningful laboratory instruction is distinguished by: student engagement in science inquiry processes, student manipulation of experimental materials, and the experiential teaching of specific scientific concepts. (RT)

Certain misunderstandings in science, mathematics, and computer programing reflect analogous underlying difficulties. These misunderstandings are examined through four knowledge levels: (1) content; (2) problem-solving; (3) epistemic; and (4) inquiry. Analysis of several examples shows that misunderstandings have causes at multiple levels, and…

Observed the accuracy of self-recording of on-task behavior by five special education students. Found high accuracy when reinforcers were used, but accuracy declined sharply in the self-reinforcement condition after repeated exposure. (FMW)

Examines results of a study using the inquiry method in composition instruction. Findings suggest that writing tasks that engage students in specifiable inquiry strategies should be an important part of every writing curriculum. (RAE)

Describes a rationale which suggests that repetitious activities and motivational techniques should be integrated to produce successful achievement, enhanced perseverance, and positive self-concept. (RS)

Describes the method used by Gateway Community College (Arizona) to teach study skills within the context of content area courses. Staff from the Learning Assistance Center present techniques for study-reading, memorizing, vocabulary development, time management, and test taking. (DMM)

Analyzes the way black and white working-class women define and claim knowledge, challenging feminist analyses that have identified a single or universal mode of knowing for women. Contends that women speak to complex gender, racial, and class relations of power that shape how they think about learning and knowing. (Author/SLM)

A teacher reports on helpful advice she received from a colleague when she started teaching: to teach students in the cognitive mode in which they learn best (auditory, visual, kinesthetic, or tactile). (TE)

Introduces the common theme among the papers presented in this issue, the development of working memory. Underlines the two different approaches presented. The neo-Piagetian perspective attempts to capitalize on the insights of Piaget's work by proposing information-processing accounts of cognitive development. The second perspective stems from…

Attempts the theoretical rapprochement of two theoretical constructs on working memory, neo-Piagetian models and Baddeley's model. Summarizes both types of models, then discusses their similarities and differences. Presents the results of a longitudinal study that supported the idea that these models might be complementary rather than…

Describes two approaches to introducing a novel to elementary students. Maintains that the second approach, which encourages reader response, is more effective than the first, which mandates the learning of 100 new vocabulary words. Describes a discussion technique based on a "discussion web" or map of possibilities that helps students to explore…