An information-processing model was tested for a laboratory visualization task that represents one adaptation of a standardized spatial ability test. The pattern of results suggests that individual differences are a function of differences in the accuracy and/or quality of the mental representation, not just speed of processing. (Author/BW)

Finds a significant positive relationship between fourth-grade students' reading ability and their ability to make appropriate decisions about English spelling. Suggests how classroom practice might be modified to facilitate children's understanding of orthographic structure. (FL)

Tracks bargaining interaction and the development of arguments between school administrators and teachers (on the issue of teachers' files and evaluations) through sequential sessions and caucus meetings. Examines similarities and differences in the reasoning process on subissues that are dropped, modified, or retained in the final argument. (PD)

Notes that neurolinguistic programing, recently introduced in education, helps teachers analyze and overcome barriers to student achievement in reading. Presents applications and implications of the concept. (FL)

Reports on a study that investigated the nature of the relationship between reading ability and performance on intelligence tests. Reveals a number of findings. (FL)

Concludes that in virtually all tests involving phonemic processing, poor readers performed significantly worse than did chronological age controls. (FL)

Investigates the hypothesis that, in the case of individual similes, bits of lexical information, or word knowledge, are predictably and absolutely essential to the resolution of similes. (HOD)

Investigates the relative effectiveness of two adjunct questioning techniques employed to increase writers' elaboration. (HOD)

The problem of using learning styles to enhance the design of learning environments is discussed. Some questions to be addressed are examined: learning style characteristics that are most likely to prove useful for designing instructional processes, the best way to measure learning style, etc. (MLW)

Solutions to addition and subtraction word problems were studied in a three-year longitudinal study that followed 88 children from grades one to three. They solved problems using a variety of strategies before formal instruction and used invented strategies several years after formal instruction. Four levels of problem-solving ability were found.…

Details a study in which high school students were introduced to a categorization strategy for vocabulary terms related to literary analysis. Concludes that the strategy was a worthwhile addition to the traditional Socratic approach to literary analysis. (FL)

This paper focuses on current knowledge about adverse biological and psychological affects of marijuana use, with special reference to risks for college students. Short-term effects on intellectual functioning and perceptual-motor coordination and long-term effects on reproduction and motivation are highlighted. (PP)

Describes the problems of writer-based writers, who are unable to select and relate their knowledge effectively, and proposes exercises to develop their writing skills. (MM)

Examines Plato's characteristics of ideas and guidelines for definitions in rhetorical arguments. Discusses several classroom assignments based on Platonic rhetoric with emphasis on definitions. (HTH)

Describes two studies showing that young readers may have trouble with comprehension when text contradicts their own prior knowledge. (FL)