Ways that colleges and universities might respond to a period of fiscal problems are addressed. It is suggested that larger trends must be examined to understand the present situation that bureaucracy and expertise are on the defensive, and that major integrated institutions--churches, parties, unions--are in decline. It is shown that there is now…

Teachers and teacher educators seem to be little aware of some major concepts about instruction that provide important insights into the central requirements for learning. A common misconception is that motivation has to do with wanting or desiring. It is instead attention to stimuli that is influenced by two powerful agents--(1) suspense,…

This module on the learning process is the tenth of 11 modules in the set, Introduction to Teaching Adults. Designed to meet the learning needs of part-time continuing education instructors, these modules can be used as resource materials for local workshops or study-discussion groups, as self-instruction (each module takes approximately two…

An adapted form of interpersonal process recall (IPR) and a theory of educating are described. IPR, which was originally conceived as a method for interpersonal counseling, may help college teachers improve their instruction, based on the conceptual framework derived from D. B. Gowin's (1981) theory of educating. The adapted recall technique…

Several studies that were directed towards examining the influence of cognitive factors in sex-related differences in mathematics achievement are reported. Specifically, two lines of research were pursued examining: (1) the relationship between different types of visual-spatial skill and mathematics achievement, and (2) the trainability of…

Five instructional techniques for increasing the meaningfulness of technical or scientific information are summarized: (1) organization of prose; (2) use of concrete analogy and advance organizers; (3) use of inserted questions in prose; (4) elaboration activities such as note taking; and (5) discovery learning. Research on each technique is…

Ten papers are presented dealing with the rationale, theory, methodology, development, and teacher-training in the suggestopedic systems of second language instruction. The papers are as follows: (1) "The Bulgarian Experience," by Georgi Lozanov; (2) "Swedish Commentary on Suggestopedia," by Christer Landahl; (3)…

In this paper, several issues related to the problem of transfer of training are set forth. The technique of frame analysis, developed by Erving Goffman, is presented as a way of bringing coherence to the formulation of problems related to transfer of training. Key concepts in Goffman's argument are explained, showing how those concepts pertain to…

The application of a scientific attitude to the field of education is reviewed, with particular regard to the varying perspective concerning the cognitive development and learning processes of children. Flaws in the "top-down" system of research and information dissemination, in which universities are viewed as "producers" and…

The document describes a practicum which developed a unit on critical thinking that applied Jerome Bruner's discovery-learning method and also incorporated the unit within the curricular requirements of elementary education majors at Castleton State College in Vermont. It is presented in five sections and an appendix. Section I provides…

This three-volume report deals with the hypothesis that males are more successful at solving mathematical and spatial problems than females. The general relationship between visual spatial abilities and mathematical problem-solving ability is also investigated. The research sample consisted of seventh graders. Each pupil took five spatial tests…

The use of calculators and computers in the schools is promoted. It is stated that calculators should be used in the mathematics classroom as soon as basic operations are understood. A point is made that calculators are no greater a threat to "learning the fundamentals" than slide rules, which have been available for over 350 years. It is…

APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS, WHICH SHOULD PROVIDE A CONTINUOUS SUPPLY OF CRAFTSMEN, ARE NOT NOW ALLEVIATING A SHORTAGE OF SKILLED LABOR. CRAFT UNIONS PERPETUATE SKILLS SHORTAGES BY SPECIFYING JOURNEYMEN-APPRENTICE RATIOS AND MAINTAINING A RESTRICTIVE SELECTION POLICY. THE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM LIES NOT IN FEDERAL LEGISLATION NOR IN MORE FORMAL…

Papers presented at the 1980 National Conference on Reasoning, Piaget, and Higher Education are presented which address the implications of Piaget's research on the teaching of reasoning skills in higher education. Contents include the following: "Piaget: An Agenda, Not an Answer for the 80s," by Catherine M. Warrick; "Project…

A review of twelve teaching/learning methodologies is presented, with tips and suggested uses listed for each: lecture, question-answer, discussion, seminar, buzz session, brainstorming, problem solving, role playng, simulation, gaming, programmed instruction, and values clarification. It is noted that educators should be encouraged to review…