Presents a system for differentiating skills and teaching objectives in a way that makes the underlying common components of the language arts more readily identifiable. (FL)

It is noted that defining subtraction independently of addition through use of physical objects can help one to illustrate the non-commutativity of this operation. Lack of awareness of the importance of the order of the digits may be a primary cause of errors in compound subtraction. (MP)

Issues covered stem from concerns that research in mathematics education may not always be used to maximum advantage, or engaged in things that would help teachers. Details of work done at Chelsea College, University of London are provided. Teaching is criticized as a profession which does not listen to customers. (Author/MP)

It is felt that Aptitude-Treatment-Interaction (ATI) research is just scratching the surface as yet and does not have sufficient information to support a general theory. The current state of ATI research is documented, and seven conclusions made during a similar examination in 1975 are reviewed. (MP)

A scheme for diagnostic teaching is discussed, and aspects of the approach are illustrated from three teaching experiments. Instruction that aims towards free and relaxed discussion of single points of difficulty or conflicts and towards pupils seeking to learn how a particular system works is promoted. (MP)

Students' misconceptions in mathematics and how teaching may be directed to diagnose and eliminate these misconceptions are discussed. Four main types of misconceptions during problem-solving are noted. It is also noted that the basic mathematical processes of generalizing, representing, and explaining are used in selected student self-help…

Examines the similarities and differences between instructional theory and learning theory. Suggests that a unified theory of both instructional theory and learning theory needs to exist so that all aspects of human behavior within the instructional situation can be placed in perspective. (Author)

A review of work related to the topological primacy thesis and a critique of some aspects of it are presented. On the basis of the psychological research, it is concluded that topological concepts ought to be taught. (MP)

A test of logic was given to 862 students in their first, second, and fourth years in Lesotho secondary schools. Results supported the contention that while difficulty in understanding English contributes to difficulty with the logical grammar necessary for mathematics, there are factors other than second language interference to consider. (MP)

Although cognitive psychology is concerned with the processes of knowing rather than with behavior, certain applications of cognitive psychology and learning theory have been achieved: (1) behavior modification; (2) bio-feedback; (3) psycholinguistics; and (4) information processing psychology. (CJ)

Two studies dealing with length conservation and measurement indicate that caution needs to be used when one looks at and makes claims about children's cognitive ability and development with regard to conservation. (MP)

Instruction using computers is viewed as different from most other approaches to education, by allowing more than right or wrong answers, by providing models for systematic procedures, by shifting the boundary between formal and concrete processes, and by influencing the development of thinking in many new ways. (MP)

Describes the learning theories of G. Stanley Hall and Edward L. Thorndike and their impact on physics instruction in the twentieth century. (SK)

Reader responses to an article by Benbow and Stanley in the December, 1980 issue are presented. The letters are followed by a response by the authors of the original article, who clarify points and stress the magnitude of the sex difference uncovered in their research. (MP)

Students in Papua, New Guinea were given a test in which the words more and less were used in different contexts. Half the pupils studied had English as their first language; for the other half English was a second language. Study results of pupil errors suggested serious educational implications. (MP)