Discusses student support systems in distance education based on experiences at the Open University (United Kingdom). Topics addressed include distance education versus traditional education; changes in the learning process; management theory; student support as a service industry; course production; resource allocation; and decision-making…

An analysis attempts to reconceptualize a knowledge-acquisition style within a relative cultural framework for the purpose of establishing a more valid and affirmative theoretical foundation for understanding African-American learning styles. The paper describes the holistic character of African-American knowledge acquisition, learning, and…

Investigates the nature of foreign-language learning using CD-ROM packages and presents case studies that explore cognitive processes and alternative learning experiences which contrast with conventional delivery modes in foreign-language teaching. Concludes that CD-ROMs can promote vocabulary acquisition, pronunciation, and independent learning.…

Explores, through an analysis of students' experiences in an integrated science and social studies unit, how the students acquired new knowledge. Explains how students learned different things from the same classroom activities and how different classroom activities created different learning processes. Notes implications for design of classroom…

Discusses the future of computer-based distance higher education based on the results of two research studies of faculty and students participating in computer-based distance-education courses. Highlights include the new generation of learners, including Internet users and adult learners; educational processes that are global and competitive; and…

Explores test usefulness in alternative assessment and discusses self-assessment, portfolios and diaries, video and peer observations, and peer assessment. The concept of washback (how the test affects processes of learning and instruction) and concerns about alternative assessment are also addressed. Considerations for implementing alternative…

Describes the Revans Centre for Action Learning and Research based at the University of Salford (United Kingdom). Topics include collaborations between practitioners and academics, organizational and professional development, change and human learning processes, interdisciplinary teamwork, action learning interfacing with research; and degrees…

Briefly reviews current understandings of learning that have direct implications for teaching practice, and includes references to other work that may be useful. Discusses five general topics: multiple domains of competence (multiple intelligences); socioemotional factors in cognitive processes; collaborative learning; pathways to competence; and…

Believes that teachers should allow their students to bring their own personal knowledge and experiences into the classroom and not replace it with expected "school" knowledge. Argues that educators should advance a heightened sense of emotional and educational commitment and resist the movement toward standardized education. (CMK)

Reports on a case study of the transition from preservice to inservice science teaching. Describes four sets of overlapping areas that provide vantage points for the study. Three sets describe participating teacher experiences, and the fourth set describes researchers' developments. Discusses the differences between a person who is good at science…

Interest by a few principals in brain-based learning led to several workshops on best educational practices and the application of neuroscience to teaching methods. Consequently, their entire Ontario school district became energized to learn about new teaching strategies. Presents nine tips, based on the principals' experiences, for facilitating…

Both teachers and learners can benefit from looking at the history of scientific discovery and science teaching. Discusses the history of curriculum change in biology education and the thought processes of historically prominent biologists. (Author/WRM)

Examines changes in the science content representations of two prospective elementary teachers during their first year in an experimental teacher preparation program. Finds that opportunities to engage in cycles of instruction guided by structured considerations for content representation contributed to improvements in the teachers' science…

Indicates the difficulties for teacher educators in developing the content of courses because of changing conditions. Questions the context of the Concept Presentation assignment and asks how to progress in understanding the reflective processes involved in collaborative efforts inquiring into and improving professional practice. (Contains 30…

Reports on two studies. The first, a brain-imaging study evaluating brain-processing differences between high- and low- performing middle-school students attempting a spatial visualization task, establishes the connection between brain-processing patterns and task-learning efficiency. The second study, involving 33 women graduate education majors,…