A review of research finds considerable evidence that second language instruction is beneficial (1) for children as well as adults; (2) for beginning, intermediate, and advanced students; (3) on integrative as well as discrete-point tests, and (4) in acquisition-rich as well as acquisition-poor environments. Implications for theory and instruction…

Interactive pedagogy considers that the instructional setting should compensate for the cognitive deficiencies of the individual learner. Hence, instructional settings should be defined not be their architectural, locational, economic, or mechanical elements, but by their psychological function. Interactive studies of individuals in educational…

The absence of references to educational research in "Philosophy and Education: Eightieth Yearbook of the National Society for the Study of Education" is seen as evidence that educational researchers and educational philosophers are isolated from one another. A rapprochement between the two fields is recommended. (PP)

Supports using a combination of various approaches to second language instruction. Emphasizes that pattern practice drills and error analysis should be included. (EKN)

The effectiveness of a distributive model and the conventional method for assigning homework in a first-semester course in calculus is examined. Results indicated a pay-off for the distributive model in terms of improved performance of the student of average or below-average mathematics ability. (MP)

Discusses theory of mental models--i.e., representations of relationships within a system which enable the user to produce mental simulations of the system's actions and develop ways of dealing with it--and its implications for user training, interface design, and overall systems design. (EJS)

Mathematics success or failure is noted as possibly related to the way in which material is presented rather than to the subject itself. Teachers are encouraged to have pupils complete a questionnaire that is designed to measure their mathematical "state of health." Instructors are told to identify learning styles. (Author/MP)

Contrasts two theories about the use of semantic context information and reports data that support the theory that readers can use certain semantic strategies in dealing with context. (AEA)

Major theories of adult development and learning environment are presented, with criteria for assessing institutional response to adult learners. Two major needs are discussed: an approach to adult learning that is integrated within programs or throughout institutions, and going beyond providing a proper environment to providing skills and…

Discusses Jean Piaget's notion of equilibrium--the propensity to reduce conceptual conflict--in relation to early childhood education. Presents an instructional model that has the teacher raising children's conceptual conflict through a series of open-ended questions. (FL)

A logically and empirically valid structure of knowledge for differential calculus was made by textbook analysis and by collecting data from a first semester college calculus course. (MP)

Performance was contrasted on mathematical story problems in two formats, a drawn version and the usual verbal one, with 262 fifth graders. The drawn format resulted in superior problem-solving performance. There was a significant ATI between field independence-dependence and format treatments, although the overall treatment effects were not…

The open university teaching system is grounded in an inappropriate theory of learning, with too much emphasis placed on the didactic approach to the presentation of knowledge and the student's ability to memorize it. Andragogic and pedagogic perspectives should be combined in designing courses. (MSE)

The views of Dr. Seymour Papert, developer of the LOGO programing language, are presented along with a general discussion of the potential of LOGO to open up computers to young children. (MP)

The question of whether skills in achieving understanding and retention of information at high levels of abstraction can be taught is addressed by analyzing some of the mental processes involved, and briefly reviewing a number of attempts that have been made to induce these processes. (Author)