A simple lesson on magnetism can foster childrens' natural enthusiasm for science and set the stage for discoveries that parallel those of famous scientists. (JD)

Both modeling and imitation training were found to be effective procedures in eliciting imitation of utterances. (ST)

Compared the abilities of 3 mother-reared and 3 human-raised (enculturated) chimpanzees and 16 human toddlers to imitatively learn novel actions on objects. Found that mother-reared chimpanzees were poorer imitators than both enculturated chimpanzees and human children, who did not differ from one another in imitative learning. On time delay…

The "Direct-instruction Model" favors the use of teacher explanations and modeling combined with student practice and feedback to teach thinking skills. Using this paradigm, this study incorporates e-learning during an 18-week experimental instruction period that includes 48 preservice teachers. The instructional design in this study emphasizes…

What do toddlers learn from everyday picture-book reading interactions? To date, there has been scant research exploring this question. In this study, the authors adapted a standard imitation procedure to examine 18- to 30-month-olds' ability to learn how to reenact a novel action sequence from a picture book. The results provide evidence that…

Examined four variables affecting children's resistance to deviation: (1) modeling resistance to deviation, (2) modeling alternative activity incompatible with deviation; (3) availability of alternative activity, and (4) attractiveness of alternative activity. It was concluded that the modeling of behavioral inhibition and incompatible responses…

Second-, third- and fourth-grade children participated in two experiments involving gameplaying. Substantial persistence and generalization of effects of exposure to a peer model were found. (JMB)

The effects of intermittent modeling were examined using three groups of 15 four- and five-year-old children. (Author/SBH)

The effects of different degrees of stimulus organization on subsequent generalization were studied with 120 fourth-grade children. (BRT)

A milk processing plant is described. Starter and advanced lesson activities using milk for observation are presented. (MT)

Examines the theories of Aronfreed, Bandura, Berger, and Hygge. Also reviews experimental evidence published since 1962 which supports theories of observational learning of emotional behavior. While the theories posit that different conditions are necessary to vicarious instigation, most research does not test the theories in any direct way.…

When using videotapes in instruction, allowing the student to observe and then predict what the videotaped subject will do next removes the threatening aspect of the instruction and results in greater student involvement. (AG)

Proposes a cognitive theory of imitation based on Piaget's interpretations in which imitation is considered one form of overall cognitive functioning instead of a special mechanism for response acquisition. Other theories of imitation, and relevant empirical literature are reviewed and reinterpreted from the cognitive perspective. (DP)

Describes the behavior and characteristics of Canada geese. (CM)

A journal prepared by an astronomer describes the lunar and planetary sky formations that will be visible each month of 1982. (CM)