Describes a study of undergraduates that investigated the differential effects of strategy orientation (memory strategy, organization strategy, application strategy, and read-and-study control) orthogonally crossed with learner activity (guided versus active) and outcomes. Transfer-appropriate processing theory, encoding specificity, and…

The case is made that advances in chaos and complexity theories and self-organizing systems have important implications for the field of learning disabilities. Problems with behaviorism are discussed and the properties of self-organizing systems are explained. The concepts of continuous, nonlinear development and motivation and volition are…

One element in debates over core college curricula, balancing breadth and depth of reading, is addressed from the point of view of Paulo Freire and his theory of critical literacy. Three levels at which a college course based on Freirean principles might be developed are outlined. At each level, the aim is to enhance breadth of perspective through…

Describes a study investigating differences in self-perception of writing competency among high- and low-apprehensive writers. Suggests that high-apprehensive writers were more likely to have had negative past writing experiences and to believe that writing ability is an innate quality rather than a process requiring a great deal of effort. (27…

Examines those theories of learning that have laid the groundwork for classroom approaches that encourage students to become active learners. Summarizes the National Science Education Standards (NCES) Teaching Standards B. (DDR)

Provides suggestions for teachers working with the constructivist approach to learning. Teachers must pose problems that have relevance to students. Thought must be given to the level of the conceptual material being covered. Students' perspective on matters of educational relevance must be considered. Assessments must be done to inform students…

Describes development of an Experimental Astronomy Curriculum or Thinking Journey, based on a combination of Constructivism and Mediated Learning Experience. Results indicated the effectiveness of the Thinking Journey in promoting a process of positive change in the students' conceptualization of Earth, improving their knowledge of astronomy,…

Reviews approaches used in teaching seasons to elementary and middle school students over the past 200 years. Finds that the same diagrams have been used from the 1800s to teach about the seasons despite changes in the background knowledge of students and teachers, and changes in theories of teaching and learning. (Contains 24 references.)…

Residential treatment centers have faced many changes as the involvement of managed care has led to reduced lengths of stay and increases in the severity of problems treated at this level of care. This paper discusses the development of a new theoretical framework that combines social learning theory with the research on resilience to create a…

We articulate and explicate a mechanism for mathematics conceptual learning that can serve as a basis for the design of mathematics lessons. The mechanism, reflection on activity-effect relationships, addresses the learning paradox (Pascual-Leone, 1976), a paradox that derives from careful attention to the construct of assimilation (Piaget, 1970).…

iPods are one of the hottest selling gadgets on the market. They are everywhere, and that includes college campuses. Duke University initially distributed iPods to all incoming freshmen and then moved to a classroom focus, and even smaller campuses, such as Georgia College & State University, have gotten considerable publicity for their…

Educational researchers are increasingly using design as a means of advancing their understanding. Historically design in educational research has served as a way to implement theories for testing. The emerging design research paradigm treats design as a strategy for developing and refining theories. In this article, I discuss the lessons that can…

How do adult learners make the connection between ethical thinking and ethical action--between what they believe and how they act? This article explores implications for religious education for social justice based on a case study of transformative learning theory, Freirean pedagogy, and popular education principles. (Contains 8 footnotes.)

In this essay, Christopher Winch explores the relevance of Ludwig Wittgenstein's account of rule-following to vocational education with particular reference to the often-made claim that any account of an activity in terms of rule-following implies rigidity and inflexibility. He argues that most rule-following is only successful when it involves a…

This article follows Engestrom (2001) in suggesting a new approach to learning in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based on the social and cultural realities of the workplace. The article briefly reviews the theoretical status and practical standing of work on lifelong learning in SMEs, and suggests that Engestrom's work may help us to…