Delineates the integration of the topic of suicide prevention into the introductory sociology course, and outlines the teaching methods. Argues that this approach makes social science research relevant and interesting to students by giving them usable information and potentially life-saving skills. (Author/DB)

The effect of test expectancy on preferred strategy use and test performance on factual and higher-level questions in learning from expository text was studied, using 42 undergraduates who reported their study strategies and completed a multiple-choice test. Test expectancy affected neither preferred strategy use nor test performance. (SLD)

This article introduces the papers in this theme issue on special education teachers' use of strategies. The article notes competencies that teachers need to master to become effective teachers of strategies, such as creating strategic environments and embracing a philosophy that facilitates independence in students. (JDD)

Describes the design, implementation, evaluation and outcomes of using writing across the curriculum in a package of composition, history, and environmental science courses offered to 50 developmental writers attending the University of Minnesota's General College. Writing was taught as a learning strategy related to critical thinking and content…

When two upstate New York teachers analyzed the problems attending student presentations, it became clear that only students with Quadrant 2 (analytical) learning styles were comfortable listening to an oral report. After their gifted fifth and seventh graders created a 4MAT wheel, their new insights helped generate possible solutions to common…

Traces the formulation and norming of a questionnaire constructed for the self-reporting of English-as-a-Second-Language students on their preferred perceptual learning styles, focusing on the problem of reliability and validity in survey design. (CB)

A study of 11 courses in 2 institutions (n=999 students) indicates that courses and teaching in which students have adopted deeper strategies for learning also have higher student ratings, supporting, in general, the validity of student ratings. (Author/MSE)

Presented is a method which may be used to help students start their own original investigations and create their own conjectures about fundamental mathematics concepts. An example of this method is provided. (CW)

Discusses a new model of concept learning called prototype theory and describes an experiment with nursing education students in which the differential effects of prototype formation on classification were explored through an instructional program on the concept of shock. Hypotheses tested are discussed and results of pretests and posttests are…

Fifty-two second-grade students were taught a generalizable problem-solving strategy for mathematics word problems. Results were mixed but were generally supportive of the notion that classwide student tutoring teams and direct instruction are useful adjuncts to teacher-led instruction in word problem solving in mathematics. (JDD)

Six elementary-age children with learning disabilities were found to learn subtraction facts more rapidly when a rule teaching and correction strategy was employed, compared to learning facts by rote. A study of generalization of rule usage found that the two children studied did generalize the strategy to an additional problem. (Author/JDD)

Humber College (Ontario) adapted a learning strategies intervention model which emphasized sentence, paragraph, and theme writing and error monitoring. Stages include pretest, describing, modeling, verbal practice, controlled practice and feedback, college-level practice and feedback, posttest, and generalization. Implementation and evaluation of…

Defines literacy to include literacies and examines literacies through the arts with a view of cognition and learning that explicates the differing forms of representation in aesthetic education. An expanded view of literacy learning is presented under the umbrella of problem solving. The article discusses classroom practice. (SM)

Reports the influence of piano harmonic accompaniment on singing ability of 203 kindergarten students during 1 year of instruction. Finds that no significant differences in singing ability occurred in the groups. Suggests that musical aptitude develops gradually and extensive musical exposure and instruction may be necessary to improve singing…

Reports on a study that compared the use of standard lesson planning to sequential teaching by prospective teachers. Concludes that task analysis and the sequential approach may improve instruction by providing students with an opportunity for mastery and a positive learning experience through frequent success. (CFR)