Examines the influences of behaviorist psychology on performance and instruction technologies. The basic assumptions of behaviorism are outlined, reinforcing contingencies are reviewed, conditioning is described, and such specific topics as stimulus control, behavior chaining, and successive approximation are discussed. (Author/JL)

Reports results of a study examining the Piagetian stages of Italian secondary school students in which student responses to three puzzles were analyzed. Compares results with studies done in the United States and the United Kingdom. (CS)

Outlines Epstein's theory of age-related brain growth spurts (phrenoblysis) and suggests ways that art educators might optimize learning during the growth spurt years and the intervening plateaus. (SJL)

Having pupils create their own mathematical-application word problems is promoted as a powerful teaching strategy. Teachers are encouraged to make creative pupil applications an integral component of day-to-day learning in mathematics. Research is cited that strongly favors the approach presented. (MP)

Teachers are encouraged to use the results of assessments to plan specific educational programs. Information is provided about the nature of diagnostic testing, with both content and process error analysis discussed. The nature of prescriptive teaching is detailed to show how to devise remediate activities after student problems are analyzed. (MP)

Cautions that teaching manuals preclude a teacher's instinct for individualized teaching, and addresses the issue of what teachers need to know about language, culture, and learning for effective reading instruction. (HTH)

Investigates if instruction in spatial visualization has different delayed effects on boys and girls, and whether girls and boys comparably retain spatial skills over time developed through instruction. Results indicate instruction for both sexes can improve spatial visualization abilities, with no sex differences found in learning or retention.…

The approach taken by representatives of the Minnesota Educational Computing Consortium (MECC) to define computer literacy objectives is defended. The MECC approach is termed a comprehensive view of literacy that incorporates programing, awareness, and other aspects. It is felt that hands-on computer experience alone does not guarantee literacy.…

Guessing is seen in all forms to be a creative and critical process which has practical and scientific utility. The goal of science in early childhood is viewed as having children make better guesses. Ways of instruction that create and develop an atmosphere for guessing are detailed. (MP)

This paper represents a call for the rehabilitation and liberalization of the term learning. Preliminary steps for a revived theory of development and learning are described, including a consideration of such topics as compatibility or naturalness, accessibility and flexibility of learning, and processes of induction. Specific recommendations for…

A 32-week program to improve earth science in-service preparation was instituted at Purdue University during 1978-1979. Results indicate that positive attitudes toward science and instruction were achieved. It is felt that programs can be successful in fostering positive attitudes and creativity only if they are 16 to 32 weeks long. (MP)

Four basic types of student errors in computation are noted and described. These are: (1) mechanical, (2) careless, (3) conceptual, and (4) procedural. It is felt many teachers deal with all errors as if they were of the unhabituated procedural type, with not enough attention given to other possibilities. (MP)

The mathematics of an educational game commonly known as "Frogs" is analyzed to see different mathematical concepts imbedded in it. (MP)

Describes the history, definition, advantages, and objections to discovery learning methods in science. Includes alternatives to these methods. (DS)

Ways are identified in which typical textbook word problems can be used to better fulfill their role in the development of mathematical concepts and a sound instructional program of mathematical problem solving. (MP)