Examines how children's beliefs about word meanings may affect their use of contrastive linguistic information in the input of word learning. Two separate studies are discussed that involve how three- and four-year-old children handled new word meanings after exposure to novel terms. (58 references) (GLR)

A review of four studies conducted by Ausubel raises serious doubts about the efficacy of advance organizers under a variety of circumstances. In addition, this review questions the adequacy of definitions for two central notions of subsumption theory (discriminability and advance organizer). (IAH)

Discusses trends in the conceptualization of children's cognitive style which continue to generate research activity. Trends discussed include field dependence-independence, reflection-impulsivity, conceptualization styles, breadth of categorization, metaphoric sensitivity, cognitive complexity-simplicity, and cognitive control. (RJC)

In response to Coles (EC 220 146) the author outlines points of agreement and identifies points of divergence including Coles' confusion of ordinary poor reading with true dyslexia, the role of phonological processes, and philosophy of science issues concerning Coles' alternative interactivity theory. (DB)

Representational competence develops as individuals learn that objects, events, and places can be represented in some form. Irving Siegel's studies of classification competencies showed that underprivileged children have difficulty sorting pictures into meaningful groupings. However, both privileged and underprivileged children construct…

Discusses research on affective issues as it has developed over the life of the "Journal for Research in Mathematics Education," (JRME), including student beliefs and mathematics learning, emotional responses to mathematics, and new approaches to affective issues. (43 references) (MKR)

Explores the differences between the theoretical positions of Vygotsky and Piaget and summarizes recent work that extends and applies a Vygotskian sociocultural perspective to educational issues. Discusses implications of this perspective for research and practice. Contains 52 references. (Author/JRH)

Articulates general principles of learning based on research of the earliest periods of language acquisition in childhood. The principles are meant to be suggestive and to contribute to the development of a first language acquisition-based theory of learning. (78 references) (MDM)

Discusses Paul Cobb's distinction in learning research between psychological constructivism, the emergent perspective, and sociocultural theory, and examines his argument that it is reasonable to talk about knowing from each of these viewpoints. The author offers a refinement of Cobb's pragmatic approach in accounting for learning. (GR)

Considers the debate about learning as based on conditioning or cognitive processes. Explores historical episodes in this debate in which issues were resolved first in favor of conditioning theory and then increasingly in favor of cognitive processes. Interprets the study by Coldren and Colombo reported in this monograph (PS 522 654) as a…

Shows similarities between realism and radical constructivism by presenting examples of using children's ideas in order to create education in the context of teaching spherical geometry. (18 references) (MKR)

Describes Information Mapping, a methodology for the analysis, organization, sequencing, and presentation of information and explains three major parts of the method: (1) content analysis, (2) project life-cycle synthesis and integration of the content analysis, and (3) sequencing and formatting. Major criticisms of the methodology are addressed.…

This reply responds to a paper by Frisby and Braden (EC 604 792), which criticized dynamic assessment, especially Reuven Feuerstein's theory and methods. Six critical points are raised and supported with examples from recent research. Criticisms center on theoretical and philosophical misunderstandings as well as failure to consider supporting…

A general learning impairment model and a reasoning insight model, both in rats, were reviewed for parallels to theories of human cognitive deficiency, leading to the conclusion that animal models of the cognitive deficiency states of mental retardation are underutilized and that human mental retardation researchers would benefit from greater…

Describes the diversity of learning styles and intelligences that students bring to the classroom. Suggests ways to reach a variety of learners and provides the implications broadly speaking for education at large. (HB)