Argues that the organization and practice of higher education is based on faulty assumptions about the structure of knowledge and nature of learning. Proposes an alternative form of undergraduate education based on the principle that learning takes place through the activity of the learner, and emphasizing the individual nature of learning,…

Suggests that scientific thought experiments (TEs) draw upon three epistemological resources: conceptual-logical inferences, visual imagery, and bodily-motor experience. Argues that TEs are powerful because of students' thought capabilities related to imagination and visual imagery. Claims that TEs are not currently exploited by school learning…

Describes an experience with modeling as a teaching technique in the mathematics classroom as opposed to mathematical modeling. Offering models in the mathematics classroom is a good idea. Presents fundamental ideas for creating an effective learning environment with models. (WRM)

A discussion of task-based second-language instruction gives background on the underlying theory for task-based instruction, task characteristics and components, research on task-based instruction (task features, task implementation conditions), measurement issues, selection and presentation of tasks (pre-, during, and post-task phases), and…

Reports on important learning processes that emerged during adult mathematics classes that used a teaching approach compatible with a social constructivist theory of knowing. Concludes that affective processes precipitated students' responsiveness, modifying the immediate learning context which influenced student thinking, creating a snowball…

Discusses the application of Vygotskian principles in a teacher developmental education program, particularly the idea of teacher self-identification in culture. Defines the international perspectives in the development of the cultural historical concept. (MMU)

Project-based learning is a better method than formal education for solving work-related problems. A learning network approach makes the relationship between competence and work explicit and provides a typology of learning projects--liberal, vertical, horizontal, and external--depending on who organizes projects and for what purposes. (SK)

Physicians, physician educators, and nonphysician educators attended a workshop on learning style and personality type inventories. One month later participants were interviewed regarding their reactions to the inventories. Physicians found the inventories interesting and fun to take and thought the styles and types of information were applicable…

A model describing experiential learning in terms of 10 attributes was tested with a group of 311 education majors. They compared the effectiveness of experiential learning (readings, case study, observation, interview, report) to learning with study journals using assigned readings. The validity of the model was upheld and students reported that…

Research identifies substance abuse intervention competencies using Motivational Interviewing that can be used to teach and evaluate social work students. The study established a set of skills related to Motivational Interviewing; designed a graduate social work class to teach the model; and used the instrument to rate interviewers. Results…

Identifies user interface problems as they relate to computer-assisted instruction (CAI); reviews the learning theories and instructional theories related to CAI user interface; and presents potential CAI user interface improvements for research and development based on learning and instructional theory. Focuses on screen design improvements.…

Discussion of system dynamics and interactive learning environments focuses on collaboration and constructivity to develop expertise in complex domains. Highlights include advances in learning theory; the ability to construct models and use them for experimentation; and the need for a more rigorous approach to evaluation of learning outcomes.…

Explores the relationship between theory and practice in education, discusses the characteristics of the different types of rationality, that is, episteme (scientific understanding) versus phronesis (practical wisdom), and examines the consequences for teacher education of the shift from episteme to phronesis. A revaluation of practical knowledge…

Examines the methods of conventional instructional media research to gauge its sufficiency; gives examples of complex media effects; identifies three emerging media application models; and offers an alternative values framework for guiding research on the effects of modern interactive technologies in complex learning environments. (Contains 52…

Delineates the continuing controversy between development and learning, and notes the evidence accumulating for some type of continuum in the processes. Introduces 10 research papers on reconceptualizing the intersection of the two processes and states the arguments for debate and presentation. (ET)