Discusses use of phenomenographic research methods in different cultures, drawing on two University of the South Pacific (Fiji) studies of student learning. Argues that although similar conceptions of learning may be found in diverse settings, different learning styles may be emphasized. Differentiates between students' conceptions of learning and…

Describes both successes and problems in the use of computer-mediated communications (CMC) to support flexible patterns of teaching and learning within higher education (HE) based on experiences at several universities in the United Kingdom. Topics include cooperative learning; flexible access; and opportunities for women. (Author/LRW)

Examined memory functions in individuals with and without autism. Found that the group with autism performed significantly worse than the nonautistic group on temporal order memory, source memory, supraspan free recall, working memory and executive function but not on short- and long-term recognition, cued recall, or new learning ability. (MOK)

This article discusses basic learning processes utilized by children with profound intellectual disabilities, including classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and habituation. The article also explores how these learning processes may be used in assessing the capabilities and preferences of children with profound intellectual disabilities.…

Presents a qualitative multiple-case study of three online asynchronous computer conferences that were part of a doctoral program at Nova Southeastern University. Examines the learning process from the points of view of interaction, cognition, and discourse analysis and proposes a model for assessing sociocognitive processes in computer…

Discussion of behavioral interventions in Alzheimer's disease (AD) notes new understanding, including that memory is not a unitary phenomenon, that certain types of memory are relatively spared in AD, and that conceptual knowledge is largely intact. Intervention techniques that capitalize on spared memory systems and take advantage of principles…

Discusses academic library instruction and describes a study using the IDNA (Instructional Development Needs Assessment) survey where librarians at Penn State rated teaching tasks based on their assessment of task difficulty, importance in the learning process, and frequency of performance. Produced a prioritized list of instructional development…

Describes an open-ended, inquiry-based chemistry lab in which students design and construct snow globes. Encourages the development of problem solving skills. (DDR)

Reports research that investigates the encoding that students use to develop molecular models at the undergraduate level. Focuses on the translation between symbolic and subatomic representations of molecules. (Contains 31 references.) (DDR)

Explores how students' epistemological ideas about the nature of science interact with their conceptual understanding of a particular domain as reflected in written explanations for an event of natural selection constructed by groups of high school students through a technology-supported curriculum on evolution. Highlights the need for an…

Contrasts the hypothesis that phonological memory, but not phonological sensitivity, accounts for significant variation in young children's receptive vocabulary. Presents the view that both phonological memory and sensitivity are manifestations of a latent phonological processing ability. Suggests that with age and performance IQ effects…

Discusses appropriate methodologies for investigating how learning occurs in the laboratory. Presents two techniques, concept mapping and V-diagramming, which can be effective research tools in probing students' understanding of chemical principles. These techniques can also be effective instructional tools that help students integrate lecture…

Reflects upon the nature of theory-driven computer assisted second language learning (CALL), particularly as it relates to the courseware development process. The study examines the implications for theory-driven CALL as well as the concept of "fit" between the theoretical framework or pedagogy and the computer's capabilities. The study addresses…

Examines the alimentary metaphor (learning as ingestion) as applied to medical education, and suggests a different educational philosophy. Despite the "full plate" served to medical students, they are starving; fundamental curriculum reform should help physicians become healthy eaters, who feed themselves in appropriate amounts, maintain a healthy…

Describes the learning cycle and some strategies that teachers can use in their classrooms to make the transition to the learning cycle less stressful. Includes tips on how teachers can effectively change roles during an activity and how they can alter laboratory formats to enhance student learning. (DDR)