The basic theory of achievement motivation as developed by Atkinson is reviewed, and the implications of the inertial-tendency postulate are examined. (Editor)

Examines the debate over andragogy, including Knowles' influences; criticisms of it as a theory of adult learning; and social, philosophical, and other weaknesses. Considers the impact of social structures in shaping individual freedom, contrasting it to the andragogical emphasis on the isolated, autonomous self-directed learner. (SK)

Students learned about electric motors by asking questions and receiving answers from an on-screen pedagogical agent named Dr. Phyz who stood next to an on-screen drawing of an electric motor. Results are consistent with a cognitive theory of multimedia learning and yield principles for the design of interactive multimedia learning environments.…

Argues that radical constructivism addresses an age-old paradox in philosophy: that the knower must construct for himself a true representation of the real world, but the only access to that world is through the act of knowing. Discusses contributions of several epistemologists to this theory of knowledge and outlines current criticisms of it.…

Describes the history of comparative methods and their use in biology as an investigative philosophy. Discusses Bernard's and Krogh's ideas and supports Jorgensen's arguments. Explains conceptual change in the comparative studies which is referred to as "comparative phylogenetic method". (Contains 33 references.) (YDS)

In this response, the authors dispel interpretation of their critical review of research on performance-approach goals as support for a dichotomous perspective of achievement goal theory. Challenges the suggestion that accepting recent research findings and adopting a multiple goals perspective constitutes a theoretical revision of the assumption…

Reports results of a controlled experiment to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of a learning process that takes place in a dynamic computer-based simulation, done with and without recording and accessing the history of the learning process. Discusses findings with respect to the self-learning process and using simulators in electronic…

Traces the development of learning theories and their impact on educational technologies. Suggests that the constructivist approach to learning provides the opportunity for authentic, computer-based learning environments to be established; however, change will not be effected if the significance of teacher professional development and support for…

Praises previous article by Arthur Shapiro but challenges the list of questions that would identify the respondent as a constructivist-thinking teacher. Regarding supportive research, contends that because of confounding variables, results are suspect when compared with other related research. Attributes meager research about constructivism…

Provides a rationale for inclusion of biotechnology in technology education. Describes an instructional strategy that uses behaviorist, cognitive, and constructivist learning theories in two activities involving photobioreactors and bovine somatotropin (growth hormone). (Contains 39 references.) (SK)

Three subsidiary issues are discussed that raise further questions about the generality of conclusions regarding the effects of massed and distributed practice on the learning of motor skills: (1) duration of practice; (2) learning-performance distinction; and (3) data synthesis and theory development. (JD)

Discusses intersubjectivity and examines limitations of radical constructivism. Compares Piaget's positioning of the individual in relation to social life with that of Vygotsky in support of the claim that radical constructivism does not offer enough as an explanation of children's learning of mathematics. (Author/MKR)

Reviews and expands upon the author's well-known conditions of learning, particularly as they apply to the teaching of literacy. Takes a closer look at everyday natural learning, identifies the conditions of learning, and applies them to literacy teaching. (SR)

Grossberg's principles of neural modeling are reviewed and extended to provide a neural level theory to explain how analogies greatly increase the rate of learning and can make learning and retention possible. (PR)

Compares hypertext with instructional design and development principles and processes. Theoretical foundations for hypertext are discussed, including knowledge acquisition, schema theory, and active structural networks; mapping instructional designs onto hypertext is explained; and hypertext systems are described both as instructional design…