This exploratory study investigated whether the process of constructing an expert system model promotes the formation of expert-like mental models. Discusses expert systems as mindtools, expert systems as learning tools, the assessment of mental models, results of pretests and posttests, and future research. (Contains 56 references.) (Author/LRW)

Examines mnemonic transfer in the form of knowledge generalization in the context of an artwork-learning task. Results reveal that mnemonic instruction produced memory benefits on a direct test, and that on a transfer task, mnemonic students who were directed to focus on the general style of the artist outperformed students who focused on details…

Describes how storytelling can be used for reflective learning purposes. Explores the context in which storytelling occurs and identifies the characteristics that shape the process: setting, number of listeners, and type of story. Demonstrates how storytellers can mix these characteristics, which are translated into eight storytelling pathways,…

Describes group design techniques used within the engineering design graphics sequence at Western Washington University. Engineering and design philosophies such as concurrent engineering place an emphasis on group collaboration for the solving of design problems. (Author/DDR)

Discusses how students need independent word-learning strategies that they can transfer across a wide variety of school and personal texts. Suggests that what appears to work best in word learning is direct instruction in new vocabulary, typically offered prior to reading, through a combination of activities that engage students in discussion and…

Suggests the use of an extended K-W-L (What I Know, What I Want to Know, What I Learned) to deal with problems with student information accuracy. Concludes that the extension of the K-W-L strategy provided opportunities for the public school students to research, check resources, and evaluate the reliability and validity of information before…

Comments on four articles in a special issue of the Journal of the Learning Sciences on methodology in learning sciences. Analyzes the articles within a general model seeking to analyze human activity across multiple time scales. (Author/MM)

Presents ideas about notetaking that will help language learners see how implementing this important strategy can improve their learning. (Author/VWL)

Offers practical suggestions to help children learn their multiplication tables. (Author/CCM)

Describes a fourth-generation ISD (instructional systems development) model, an integrative problem solving system that dynamically adjusts the authoring activities of instructional development by direct reference to a specific learning problem or need. Includes case studies that illustrate the three model components: situational evaluation,…

Compared two different guided questioning strategies and unguided questioning and assessed the knowledge construction of 48 fourth and fifth graders in the questioning conditions. Results support the conclusion that questions designed to access prior knowledge and experience are more effective in enhancing learning than questions simply designed…

Focuses on the use of different strategies for solving sequences of interrelated problems. Discusses some useful techniques a teacher could employ to design problem chains. (Contains 20 references.) (ASK)

Introduces the thermodynamic cube, a mnemonic learning device for learning and recalling thermodynamic relations. (Author/CCM)

Examines how students completing a two-semester organic sequence understand, explain, and apply hydrogen bonding to determine the physical attributes of molecules. Suggests that some students completing what is typically their second year of college-level chemistry still possess misconceptions about hydrogen bonds. (Contains 21 references.) (ASK)

Research into powerful learning environments has concentrated mainly on general influences on students' engagement and learning. This paper considers a series of inter-related concepts that have been shown to be associated with student learning in higher education including, conceptions of knowledge and learning, learning orientations, and…