Two experiments assessed the effects of activation of prior knowledge through small-group discussion. College students (n=39) and Dutch secondary school students (n=88) were asked to elaborate on possible explanations of a natural phenomenon. Data suggested that such activation of prior knowledge can be a successful instructional strategy. (SLD)

Identifies four areas of deficiency in understanding and applying the principles of the Bill of Rights. Provides guidelines to improve instruction, emphasizing systematic coverage of Bill of Rights topics; analysis of case studies on Bill of Rights issues; and discussion of Bill of Rights issues in an open classroom environment. (CH)

Describes some of the mismatches that can occur between child knowledge and the controlled "primerese" language of texts. Finds ways in which children bring their linguistic knowledge to bear on the reading process. Indicates that the controls and distinctive features of primerese text are counterproductive. (MG)

Discusses two conceptions of educational achievement: as mastery of basic skills and facts and as mastery of higher order skills and advanced knowledge. Explores the impact of the different conceptions on research topics, the ways teachers think about their teaching, and the public's view of educational goals. Changes in conceptions are discussed.…

Summarizes the findings of studies that indicate serious deficiencies in the reading, writing, and basic information skills of American students. Possible causes are discussed including the lack of effectiveness of teaching methods and instructional materials. It is argued that the school library offers the best hope for creating a culturally…

Students' ability to access or utilize their intellectual resources as a function of many factors studied in the research, is discussed. Organization and awareness are the two most important factors in students' ability to access knowledge, strategy, or disposition. A synthesis of the research is presented. (SLD)

A University of Georgia pharmacy school survey of 230 preceptors and 73 externs investigated students' competence and confidence. Results indicated areas of weakness in communication skills and therapeutic knowledge and revealed that externs lacked confidence in hospital and clinical practice. Results are being used in curriculum development.…

A study compared the knowledge, confidence, and attitudes regarding medical ethics of 55 house officers and 57 full-time faculty members of the Georgetown University (District of Columbia) Department of Medicine. Results indicated low knowledge levels in both groups, higher faculty confidence, and somewhat more faculty sentiment for mandatory…

Reports a study that examined images of teaching brought by entry-level students as they began their initial work in elementary education. Students were asked to describe and draw ideal teacher and student situations. Results indicated students entered teaching with complex ideas about pupils, the learning environment, and teachers' roles. (SM)

Analysis of trends in scientific publications of Southeast Asian countries revealed a high degree of knowledge dependence on English publications from the United States and the United Kingdom. Discusses the use of scientific and technical information as a catalyst to accelerate knowledge production, distribution, and industrialization in Southeast…

This survey of 442 service providers and 422 supervisors of early intervention programs revealed few differences between the 2 groups regarding their perceptions of necessary supervisor competencies. Survey items ranked as the most important had three themes: knowledge of rules and regulations, competence in interpersonal skills, and awareness of…

Asserts that college students lack understanding of the concept of function. Based on an epistemological theory, offers an instructional treatment using computers that presents a process concept of function and results in substantial improvements in student understanding for many students. (29 references) (MDH)

The relationship between a teacher's knowledge of mathematics and instructional practice was investigated by videotaping an experienced fifth grade teacher giving a lesson on functions and graphing. A subject-matter knowledge interview and card sort task were used with the teacher and a mathematics educator, indicating areas of weakness. (SLD)

Evaluation of problem-based learning tutorials with 70 medical students found that, when tutors had expertise in the clinical cases studied, student groups generated twice as many learning issues, and issues were three times more congruent with the case objectives. Additionally, groups with expert tutors spent more time overcoming identified…

This paper reviews literature on the application of developmental and learning theories to program development and outcome evaluation in early childhood special education (ECSE), and reports on a survey which indicated that ECSE professionals (n=169) knew little about theoretical underpinnings of curriculum implementation. (Author/JDD)