Sixty-four fifth and sixth-grade pupils were taught number series extrapolation by either an algorithm, fully prescribed problem-solving method or a heuristic, less prescribed method. The trained problems were within categories of two degrees of complexity. There were 16 subjects in each cell of the 2 by 2 design used. Aptitude Treatment…

The 10 articles in this book examine how comprehension is affected by what the reader brings to the text, the manner in which the text is structured by the author, and the contextual variables that shape the meaning derived by the reader. Specific topics covered in the articles are (1) background knowledge and comprehension, (2) learning how to…

A study was conducted to test the hypothesis that Brunerian learning theory can provide the instructional designer with a framework for developing effective learning materials. To determine three levels of spatial ability, two standardized tests--the Spatial Visualization Test (SVT) of the Dailey Vocational Tests and part VI of the…

This report describes a project developed by the American National Metric Council (ANMC) to assess the effectiveness of the parent-through-child learning model as a method of transmitting metric knowledge. The model used has been in effect in one classroom in El Cajon, California since 1974. An elementary level classroom teacher there initiated…

The cognitive learning theories of Bruner and Gagne and the developmental psychology of Piaget play a central role in the development of curriculum models and instructional strategies to better serve the needs of bilingual children or those whose native language is not English. Each theory has components that may be useful to certain stages in…

Educators and researchers have long equated the term "educated" with number of grades of formal schooling completed, relegating to the ranks of the "undereducated" those persons without higher education, and especially those without at least 12 years of schooling. Recent research by Alan Tough, however, and case studies in…

Differences found in men's and women's attitudes towards mathematics, and differences in demonstrated abilities and experiences in mathematics classes are detailed. The sample used includes 479 pupils from 22 classes in 11 urban and suburban schools, with approximately 49% of the students female. The instruments used to collect data included…

The language development of one child was examined from birth to three years of age in order to map the similarities and differences in the acquisition of oral language, reading, and writing skills. The study also sought to provide insight into why learning to read and write are not as naturally easy as learning to talk. Data were collected by…

A study explored a potential aptitude-by-treatment interaction associated with the keyword method of vocabulary acquisition. This method is a two-stage mnemonic process whereby an unfamiliar term is first transformed into a familiar concrete stimulus and then a thematic relationship is created between the transformed stimulus and the information…

A rationale for teaching beginning reading from a learning theory perspective that is compatible with Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development is presented in this paper. The model offered is based on a linguistic analysis and on current research. The logical thinking skills characteristic of each stage of development proposed by Piagetian…

This report views the effect of parent support in active participation in building children's inquiry skills. It is noted that at times a good learning experience developed for a youngster by a school is destroyed by lack of interest and support in the home. Parent attitudes towards the process of inquiry are seen as critical to the subsequent…

The reasons that cause women to take significantly fewer mathematics courses than men are investigated. The subjects consisted of 377 female college freshmen enrolled at a small, private women's liberal arts college in the Midwest. All subjects were tested as part of the college's regular placement testing program prior to the Fall semester of the…

This study investigated a theoretical structure which attempts to explain the problem-solving strategies used by first-grade students who are successful in solving simple arithmetic story problems. The structure used describes the problem-solving procedure as consisting of a three-stage model building process: (1) comprehending the story, (2)…

This study examined attitude variables in relation to kindergarten mathematics. The following research questions were addressed: (1) Will kindergarten children who are taught number concepts using a curriculum based on a numeration learning hierarchy have a significantly more positive attitude towards mathematics than pupils taught number concepts…

This document provides an overview of a National Science Foundation (NSF) funded project, Rational Number Ideas and the Role of Representational Systems. The rational number project consists of interacting instructional, evaluation, and diagnostic/remedial components. General project goals are: (1) to describe the development of the progressively…