Considers variables which affect the acquisition of the kinetic theory of heat by children who hold alternative viewpoints. Suggests that the articulation of different viewpoints in no way hinders the acquisition of the desired conceptual framework. Emphasizes the benefit to low-reasoning students in particular. (CW)

Discusses the nature of interactive video, its educational use, evidence for its effectiveness, and the design of interactive video courseware. Use by the military and industry is also described, studies comparing video with other instructional methods are reviewed, and areas for further study are suggested. Ninety-four references are provided.…

Describes study of fourth and fifth grade students which explained the effect of graphics on student motivation in a microcomputer-based spelling drill program. The role of feedback in instruction is discussed, the impact of graphics on computer software is described, and results are analyzed. (4 references) (LRW)

Examined patterns of variance for sex and grade level using the Nelson Reading Test, the Gates-MacGintie Reading Test, and the Spache Diagnostic Reading Scales for first to eighth grade students referred for possible reading disabilities. Females outscored males significantly on all measures. Found differences among grades in regard to both…

Describes a teaching method that actively involves elementary school children in science lessons by having them teach lessons to their peers. Gives examples of teacher and student strategies. Describes evaluation of the students and student progress with time. Reviews depth of thinking and questioning by students in this activity. (CW)

Shows how basic writing students' knowledge of how to use the computer to produce new, revised drafts of their essays in approximately an hour led to their productive use of word processing. (EL)

According to speakers at the annual meeting of the American Association for Higher Education, better college teaching requires closer attention to how students learn, but colleges set a poor example for such values as empathy and cooperation. Institutions should encourage student-faculty contacts, emphasize collaboration among students, use active…

This study investigated the degree to which seventh- and eighth-grade students of different abilities acquired strategic planning knowledge from a problem-solving computer game called Wumpus. Regression analysis was used to determine the influences of individual differences and either activating or modeling instruction, and to assess transfer of…

Science education in Great Britain needs to develop more human and humane themes; e.g., students should study aspects of science that are essential to their self-understanding, and they should evaluate their own personal understanding of key scientific concepts and theories. Researchers should study the learning process variables of science…

For ninth graders studying three biological concepts via computer-based instruction, decreasing display time of interrogatory examples for incorrect answers and increasing display time for correct answers was the best procedure for two-stage concept learning. Information processing theory and instructional display time as an adaptive design…

Retarded and nonretarded persons were compared on a task designed to preclude the use of cognitive strategies. Results suggest the possible importance of automatic processing deficiencies and invite a reconsideration of the idea that the relationship between intelligence and memory is due entirely to effortful processes. (LMO)

Reports on a study showing that teachers' understanding of learning and the age of children affect children's comprehension styles. (EL)

Discusses the importance of providing opportunities for children to learn through talk with an adult and contains excerpts from transcripts of parent-child and teacher-student conversations. (DF)

Identifies key rules, procedures, routines, and activities from teacher effectiveness research and explains how to use them in the creation of process materials--teacher-made materials that assist students in identifying and using behaviors necessary to learning. (FL)

Evidence suggests that the usual classroom practices don't work and must be replaced by something more active and involving. Group-inquiry, an untraditional approach to the classroom, is described. Small groups examine central problems of the subjects under study, then a consensus is reported to the class. (MLW)