Draws on sociological and learning theory perspectives to compare Scottish and Dutch initiatives in the modularization of initial (postcompulsory) vocational education and training. Features of the modular system in both countries seem closely related to strategies chosen to offer customized vocational training for various client groups while not…

This paper reviews literature on the application of developmental and learning theories to program development and outcome evaluation in early childhood special education (ECSE), and reports on a survey which indicated that ECSE professionals (n=169) knew little about theoretical underpinnings of curriculum implementation. (Author/JDD)

Relates findings of an empirical study of student use of an interactive videodisc to theories of learning and to other research findings. A study of 12- and 13-year-old students in England is described that examined problem-solving strategies, learning styles, conceptual understanding, group discussion, and the teacher's role. (Contains 17…

Uses work on children's counting schemes and a radical constructivist orientation to describe the development of computer microworlds for the teaching of rational numbers. Suggests that the design of complex software systems needs a strong theoretical background to provide direction for the design. Suggests that computer environments are the…

Uses the constructivist principle of active learning to explore the possibly essential elements in transforming a cognitive play activity into mathematical activity. Suggests that for such transformation to occur, cognitive play activity must involve operations of intelligence that, yield situations of mathematical schemes. Illustrates the…

Comments on the Fractions Project presented in this same issue. Discusses two major ideas: the construction of mathematics of children and its basis and playful actions as a basis for mathematical actions. Highlights the understanding of children's mathematical concepts and schemes as they grow and are organized in the context of computer…

Comments on the Fraction Project presented in this same issue. Examines the choice of appropriate perspectives on the phenomena induced and observed and the generalizability of the results. Investigates the phenomena as involving student attunement to constraints built into the computer-based learning environments and in terms of explicit…

Comments on the Fraction Project presented in this same issue. Suggests that it has uncovered many implications for instruction. However, there are limitations as the proposed setting is restricted by the present school circumstances. Concludes that better learning will not come from finding better ways for teachers to instruct but from giving the…

Asserts that the development of abstract knowledge and critical thinking skills has been extolled as a primary goal of education. Reviews research in problem solving and other educational endeavors. Maintains that learning abstract solution principles is enhanced when instruction is accompanied by examples illustrating those principles. (ACM)

Asserts that educational research always has suffered from severe underfunding by comparison with research in the natural sciences. Argues that educational researchers have an obligation to raise the "educational literacy" of the general public. Discusses the need to improve the quality of educational research. (CFR)

Examined sex differences in eighth and tenth graders' and college students' use of elaboration in paired associate learning. Findings indicate that, as males and females became more proficient strategy users, sex differences diminished under more favorable task conditions that encouraged strategy use but remained constant under less favorable…

A study used hypertext to analyze links between 45 learning/instructional theories, 18 concepts, and 17 learning domains in the Theory into Practice (TIP) database. Results suggest that there is less overlap in theories of learning and instruction than commonly assumed. Use of this kind of tool for research and practice is discussed. (MSE)

Reviews aspects of foreign language instruction (FLI) often cited as incompatible with the goals of general education. Argues for inclusion of FLI at the center of general education, describing the critical linguistic skills and cultural learning gained through language study. Offers six suggestions for restoring FLI to the liberal education…

Theories of motivation suggest three approaches to enhancing college student learning: (1) reshaping students' overall achievement orientation; (2) creating the expectation of success; and (3) increasing the value of academic outcomes by helping students develop personal goals and identify means of achieving them. (MSE)

Examines an online searching instructional program for high school seniors from the perspective of several cognitive learning theories and proposes a synthesized approach to applying learning theory to bibliographic instruction. Topics discussed include concept-based teaching; novice versus expert search methods; mental models; cognitive…