Two environmental learning conditions based on generative linguistics were tested to determine whether they could induce in children (in grades 1-3) the acquisition of the rules of metaphors and the subsequent generation of metaphors based on the acquired rules. The first modeling condition (MC-1) emphasized the verbal-interaction effect: the…

The purpose of this subproject is to guide students to meet and interact with individuals from the many subcultures in a community (see ED 055 011). This progress report of the second year's activities includes information on the process of curriculum development, the materials developed, evaluation, roles of supporting agencies, behavioral…

A model's influence on the creative behavior of 120 fifth-grade children was studied in four variations. Separate groups observed a model who was either high or low in the fluency or flexibility creativity dimensions. Multivariate procedures were used to assess treatment effects upon children's fluency and flexibility measures collected on…

Children's self-control behavior in motor and cognitive tasks was examined in a series of two studies in which modeling and self-regulatory mechanisms were varied to assess the influence of each. In the first study, 6-, 7-, 9-, and 11-year-old children individually played a 20-trial game of 'Simon Says' (involving activation and inhibition trials)…

Discusses a book to encourage children to make more accurate observations and to gain further insight into the wonders of nature. Considered most successful when used with second to fourth graders. A selection of pages are described. (EB)

In the behavioral science course for medical students at the University of Adelaide, students observe behavior in different treatment settings and then write an essay applying behavioral science concepts to what they have observed. Student reaction has been positive and the program is successful in providing students with an unbiased view of…

Justifies including dinosaurs as a topic in the curriculum for young children if approached from the inquiry processes of science exploration. Suggests that this topic encourages observational, classification, and communication skills and the ability to compare, hypothesize, and derive conclusions. (AS)

Rather than emphasize specific facts, teaching science should help develop the whole person. Children learn science best when they are able to choose what they want to know. Suggestions for "living science" rather than parroting facts are offered. (DF)

Reports on study employing drawings of high-interest cartoon models to symbolize and teach skills contributing to the social and educational development of children in a child-care center. Results demonstrate such models are effective and feasible agents for positive behavioral change when used within the generalized imitation framework. (CMG)

Evaluated the relative effectiveness of observation-feedback (OF) and skill-based (SB) training methods, as well as sequences of training on the acquisition of structuring and relationship skills. Concluded that the OF-SB sequence showed significant gains in the acquisition of relationship skills. Discussed implications for the training of family…

This paper suggests: (1) how to increase the amount of practice that an athlete can work in during the day; and (2) ways to enhance practice for maximum performance gains. Research information about both physical and mental forms of practice are synthesized. (PP)

The effect of descriptive verbalization during observation of a model on mentally retarded boys' retention for what they had observed was examined with 40 9- to 12-year-old boys in public school educable mentally retarded classes. (Author)

In this activity, students experiment and observe the similarities and differences between human-made objects and nature in small groups. Students compare the function and structure of hollow bones with drinking straws, bird beaks and tool pliers, and bat wings and airplane wings. A classroom discussion can be held to discuss similarities and…

Most people know much more than they can communicate because their personal knowledge is so thoroughly grounded in experience that it cannot be expressed in its fullness. This study examines how two superintendents used tacit knowledge to build shattered trust in their school boards. Trust is first examined as a multifaceted aspect of human…

This study examined the role and participation of facilitators, family members, and friends in the person centered planning process for youth with disabilities. It examined the participation of 10 youth (ages 18-21) with developmental disabilities who took part in Whole Life Planning processes through observation of 34 organizational and planning…