Describes three experiments with college students that compared the learning potential of text, outline, and matrix displays. Explains the theoretical framework, reviews related research, and discusses results that show matrix displays produced greater relational learning. (Author/LRW)

Describes the learning spiral, which was designed as a framework for instructional planning. Grounded in constructivism, the learning spiral attempts to align learning experiences at school with learning experiences in life. The components of the learning spiral are engage, investigate, share, and assess. The learning spiral is recursive, and it…

Addresses areas of situated knowledge (metacognitive skills and affective skills) that have been ignored in intelligent computer-aided learning systems. Focuses on model-based reasoning, including contextualized and decontextualized knowledge, and examines an instructional method that supports situated knowledge by providing opportunities for…

Develops various strategies for an approach to physics instruction that should improve girls' and boys' attitudes toward and achievement in physics. Discusses implications for the teaching and learning of physics. (Author/CCM)

Reviews research on constructivism in learning and selection of learning strategies. Suggests linking constructivism with instructional technologies for continuing medical education in order to "disrupt" reactive, habitual ways of learning and encourage active engagement. (SK)

Compares a teaching program designed to enhance schema acquisition with one of worked examples, traditionally used to teach geometry. Shows that both groups of subjects had improvements in the number of problems solved, with those exposed to non-goal-specific procedures demonstrating greater rates of improvement and greater efficacy in…

Explores whether students with several years of high school science are able to represent an osmosis problem correctly. The study problem features a typical osmotic system with students expected to make a graph to show how the solution level in the stem of the funnel changes over time. (DDR)

Details a project designed to bolster the quality of astronomy education through teacher workshops. Workshop topics include the solar system, stars, stellar evolution, galaxies, and cosmology. The Learning Approach Questionnaire (LAQ) is used to determine the effects of the workshops. (DDR)

Examines the concept of the memex, use of the computer as a hypertext learning and teaching tool. Discusses the practical implication of this concept using the World Wide Web. Lists disadvantages such as lack of computer access, and keyboarding and outlining skills. (Author/JOW)

Argues that thematic integration in science and mathematics without the accompanying paradigmatic change in teaching pedagogy results in little benefit to the learner. Discusses alternative approaches to integration. Contains 17 references. (DDR)

Describes an approach to algebraic thinking based on an extension of the problem-solving tasks typically investigated by elementary and middle school students. Demonstrates how elements of algebraic thinking may be developed in a systematic and coherent way through problem-solving experiences. States that students' pattern-building capabilities…

Measured thinking styles of first-year South African university students using the Sternberg Mental Self-government Thinking Styles Inventory. Found that the preferred thinking styles were executive, legislative, hierarchic, internal, and conservative. Major and language were differentiating factors in thinking style preferences; gender was not.…

Evaluated a student-focused, learning-to-learn program used in an introductory chemistry class; the program was presented in context and used authentic course materials. Findings indicated that participants were less inclined to engage only in surface learning activities and showed an overall increase in pass rate and a decline in attrition rate.…

Studied the collaborative strategies used in an experimental design task by 24 high- and low-prior knowledge of medical students in groups of 4. The high prior knowledge group used knowledge to help construct plans, evaluate actions, and stay focused. The low prior knowledge group was less systematic and worked at mapping the connections between…

Investigated the study behavior used by students facing an open-book or closed-book examination. Results for 201 college students in Cyprus indicate that students preparing for a closed-book examination tended to postpone study at the end of the semester, focus on assigned texts, and memorize information. Students preparing for open-book tests…