To examine the characteristics of expertise, a study at the University of Minnesota cardiac clinic compared differences in diagnostic ability and strategies between novices (fourth year medical students) and experts (specialists in pediatric cardiology). The investigator presented a model for expertise based on knowledge of subject matter content…

This paper is a statement, from the viewpoint of a language teaching specialist, of the contributions language learning theory could make to language planning. It consists of three parts: (1) a conceptual framework of language planning used to identify ways in which a linguist might contribute; (2) a summary of basic concepts of language learning…

A learning strategy inventory composed of 201 multiple-choice items was developed based upon similar work and suggestions stemming from a literature review. Correlational and factor analyses, based on data for approximately 200 students, were identified and incorporated into a learning strategy training program. (See SO 008 593 for a report on the…

In order to measure the effect of a human relations, sensitivity training, T-group course offering in the sociology curriculum at the College of DuPage, the Personal Orientation Inventory, an instrument designed to measure self-actualization, was administered to 13 students before and after their participation in a semi-intensive, nonresidential,…

This paper presents the concepts of a computer-directed system to improve human performance in structured learning situations. Attention is focused on finite-state systems in order to provide a systematic method for constructing training systems and to assist in analysis of problem solving and curriculum planning. The finite-state approach allows…

The proceedings consist of 11 papers grouped in two major categories: the context of adult learning (social significance and fact and fiction about adult learning) and the utilization of learning models for adult instruction. Contributors are Floyd B. Fischer, George L. Maddox, Rolf H. Monge, Eric F. Gardner, Arthur W. Combs, William J. Hoyer,…

The study sought to use Jensen's two-level theory of mental abilities to predict some hitherto unknown or unnoticed phenomena--facts about which the theory should yield clear-cut predictions and which are not as clearly predictable from other theories, though they may receive ad hoc explanations after the fact. From the two-level theory of mental…

This document is part of a series dealing with nonformal education. Introductory information is included in document SO 008 058. The focus of this report is on the learning effectiveness of nonformal education. Chapter 1 compares effective learning in a formal and nonformal environment. Chapter 2 develops a systems model for designers of learning…

The major emphasis of this study is on the comparative validities of paired-associate learning tests and IQ tests in predicting reading achievement. The study engages in a brief review of earlier research in order to examine the validity of two assumptions--that the construction and/or the use of a tactic that simplifies a learning task is one of…

A study was made of the comparative media effects upon teaching the component learning tasks of concept learning: classification, generalization, and application. The seven selected methods of presenting stimuli to the learners were: motion pictures with spoken verbal; motion pictures, silent; still pictures with spoken verbal; still pictures,…

In this description of two antithetical opinions concerning freshman English program objectives, cases are presented for the language skills improvement and literature appreciation points of view. Such factors as (1) class size, (2) instructor work load and research potential, and (3) student and teacher interests are considered. A discussion of…

A modified approach to the development of verbal expression in young children is proposed as an alternative to either the prescriptive-instructional method or the developmental viewpoint which relies on self-initiated learning. The Bereiter-Engelmann method, the method based on operant conditioning, and the Montessori method are representative of…

Two mathematical models of paired-associate learning were used to develop optimal strategies for presenting spelling words to 42 elementary school children. The study was conducted within a computer-based drill-and-practice project. For the study two computer programs were developed. One program presented and corrected the lists of words. The…

Although a lot of data on the psychological characteristics of children having learning disabilities have been gathered, not very much has been done to discover the underlying mechanisms, processes, or phenomenon of learning disability. Without more investigations which attempt to get at these, we will continue to be at a loss to prescribe…

It has been said that the heritability of learning ability or of intelligence is irrelevant to teachability. In support of this statement we see it pointed out that a child or a group of children show some response to training, and this is held up as evidence against the heritability of intelligence or learning ability. Most estimates of the…