Examines research on the causes of writing apprehension. Profiles high-apprehensive writers, characterizes their written products, and describes their writing processes. Suggests four procedures for dealing with writing apprehension: peer group workshops; positive reinforcement; teaching about writing process, and gradually increasing students'…

Provides a 107-item annotated bibliography of research published from July to December of 1993 in various areas of English pedagogy and instruction. Covers research in the areas of curriculum, language, literature, researcher education, teacher education, and writing. (HB)

Reviews current research in the application of the Neo-Piagetian theory of Pascual-Leone and shows how it provides the science teacher new implements. Hypothesizes that the role of the environment and creativity, if emphasized adequately, can help make science instruction more effective. (Contains 45 references.) (PR)

To the debate between the Rortyan pragmatic model of scientific research advocated by Cleo Cherryholmes and the scientific realism espoused by Ernest R. House is added another model for educational research based on the realism of John Dewey's pragmatism. Constructivist and behaviorist aspects of Dewey's philosophy are explored. (SLD)

New approaches to education for urban poor and minority students emerge from recent findings of cognitive psychology (teachers as facilitators of students constructing their own knowledge) and from awareness of the influence of students' culture on school performance, leading to adoption of culturally responsive classroom practices. (SK)

Considers the relevance of cognitive learning theory to instructional design for effective learning. Highlights include the organization of knowledge; systems approach; cognitive process learning; schema theory; and components of a model for instructional design, including pretesting, motivational considerations, media selection, and validation.…

Defines activity theory as a socio-cultural and socio-historical lens through which the interaction of human activity and consciousness within its relevant environmental context can be analyzed. Describes how activity theory can be used as a framework for analyzing activities and settings for the purpose of designing constructivist learning…

Presents the self reports of Israeli junior high school teachers (N=40). Discusses the conditions and processes of teaching and learning science, and reports that teachers make good use of inquiry in teaching. Contains 20 references. (DDR)

Defines instructional design as a manifestation of specific educational theories that are founded on understandings about the nature of the learning process and of knowledge. Analyzes the specific background, main characteristics, and feasible prospects of worldwide changes in instructional design resulting from revolutionary changes in learning…

Randomly selected high school students (n=13) who studied an ecology unit were interviewed, and narrative data analyzed for changes in knowledge schema. Data support the current theory that the amount and quality of prior knowledge substantially influence gains in new knowledge and are closely linked to a capacity to apply higher-order cognitive…

Examines the problem of foreign-language syllabi in a brief historical review. The three main types of syllabi are described--structural, notional-functional, procedural task-based. Suggests that methodologies that cover language description, learning theories, and needs analysis should be reflected in English for special purposes courses or…

Discusses instructional technology in the context of the whole learning environment instead of just in terms of computers and software. Considers assessment of instructional technology, including the role of the student, identifying the learning theory behind a specific instructional application, behaviorism, cognitive development, and faculty…

Outlines levels of information/communication technology (ICT) use in technology education: (1) development of basic software skills; (2) information seeking/analysis skills; (3) adoption of existing programs to deepen understanding of ICT; (4) development of learners' independent creative thought; and (5) understanding learners' cognitive…

States that theories of intellectual development offer writing teachers productive ways to analyze student writing; help students develop strategies for improving their writing processes; and consider the implications of writing assignments. Finds that frameworks posited by Jean Piaget and by others contribute useful ways of understanding why…

Examines three transcripts of preschool children's informal mathematical discourse during play to highlight the role of informal learning in young children's education. Considers the children's ability to adopt instructor, mediator and evaluator communication roles, to gain access to formal mathematics knowledge, and to use these to meet…