Synthesizes research on nine individual-difference factors that influence success in learning a second language and offers instructional implications for each. The nine factors include aptitude, motivation, anxiety, self-esteem, tolerance of ambiguity, risk taking, language learning styles, age, and gender. (72 references) (LET)

A theoretical framework for action learning and action research is presented, as a basis for better understanding college instruction and learning. Action research is viewed as a philosophy, theory of learning, research methodology, and teaching technique. It is argued that action research both increases knowledge and improves teaching.…

This article compares four theories relating vocabulary knowledge to reading comprehension and applies these theories to vocabulary development instructional approaches for various types of students with problems in reading comprehension. The four theories are the instrumentalist hypothesis, the aptitude hypothesis, the access hypothesis, and the…

Discusses situated learning in the workplace and in the classroom. Topics addressed include operationalization versus legitimization of educational theories; instruction versus learning; explicit versus implicit instruction and knowledge; individual versus social context; systems narrowly construed versus systems broadly construed; and legitimate…

Any setting can contribute to learning, and learning theories must account for settings, enculturation, and social contributions. Theories of learning in informal or "natural" settings must be quite distinct from existing theories of formal learning. (SK)

Students are motivated to the extent that they initiate and sustain meaningful involvement in learning. Theories of motivation suggest that appropriate attention to college students' needs and expectations for success will enhance their involvement and learning. (Author/MSE)

This first installment in a series of edited transcripts based on a conference held at Utah State University in 1987 reviews the main points of Gagne's Learning Theory. Categories of human performance that are discussed include verbal information, intellectual skills, cognitive strategies, attitudes, and motor skills. (Three references) (LRW)

Offers a brief introduction on the theory of schemata (dynamic, constructive processes by which people perceive and remember information) and its relation to reading instruction. Reviews three instructional techniques that seek to develop students' schemata, including PReP (Pre Reading Plan), ConStruct (Concept Structuring), and double-entry…

It is proposed that, contrary to existing views, medical expertise is not as much a matter of superior reasoning skills or in-depth knowledge of pathophysiological states as it is based on cognitive structures describing the features of prototypical or actual patients. Evidence supporting the theory is examined. (Author/MSE)

Reports the results of a self-assessment questionnaire containing higher-order-cognitive skills types of questions administered to biology majors (N=71). Results indicate that the majority of students in the study rate themselves as capable of self-assessment. Contain 41 references. (DDR)

Elaborates on the concept of information going through a cultural revolution. Suggests that students require active intellectual skills such as the ability to scan, to make connections, and to manipulate many forms of information. Argues that science educators need to reconceptualize the theory and practice of learning in a digital age.…

Proposes a definition of intelligence as the mental abilities necessary for adaptation to, as well as shaping and selection, of any environmental context. Applies this definition to current theories and testing in the field of intelligence, as well as to understanding of the role of intelligence in lifelong learning and success. (MMU)

Critiques the commonly accepted view that human minds and computers are computational systems. Debunks claims that the human mind is a computational system and argues that the claims are not scientifically supportable. (DDR)

Illustrates an approach to research-based teaching strategies and their evaluation. Addresses a teaching sequence on the superposition of electric fields implemented at the college level in an institutional framework subject to severe constraints. Contains 28 references. (DDR)

Describes an approach to teaching the conceptually demanding topic of fluids which focuses on promoting student teachers' continual evolution toward a suggested scientific model. Discusses the approach in detail. Contains 45 references. (DDR)