Maintains that considerable evidence suggests that educators can successfully use knowledge of cognitive development to guide college instruction. Discusses thinking processes as either primarily incidental or deliberate. Contends that separate thinking based on these principles leads to improved critical thinking skills. (CFR)

Explores the proposition that young children need to discover and actively participate in adults' theories of childhood. Reveals ways in which children collaborate in and sometimes contest the need to display precompetent identities, and briefly discusses the consequences, for enculturation in general and for schoolwork in particular, of failing…

Presents results of a case study to examine an elementary school teacher's transition from a teacher-as-dispenser and student-as-receiver view of learning to a teacher-as-provider and student-as-information-gatherer, processor, and constructor view of learning. Chronicles the transition in four stages. (20 references) (MDH)

Presents two spreadsheets for middle school students applying Polya's heuristic to help develop number sense, reasoning abilities, and problem-solving skills. Spreadsheet 1, "the coin problem," allows students to vary coin quantities to total $8.32. Spreadsheet 2, "ratios," develops number relationships while finding 3 3-digit…

Discusses the use of the LOGO programing language as a problem-solving tool for elementary school students. Papert's theory is explained; the integration of LOGO into the language arts and math curricula is discussed; LOGO research is reviewed; and recommendations for future work are offered. (18 references) (LRW)

This study examined the representations that a 16-year-old student made using the flexible computer system, "Boxer," in learning the genetic code. Results indicated that programing made it easier to build and explore flexible and useful representations and encouraged interdisciplinary collaboration between mathematics and biology…

Presents a case study of a first-grade class and their teacher who were observed as they ascribed mathematical meanings of numbers and of numerical operations to empirical phenomena. Differences in ascriptions led to negotiation of meanings. Discusses some indirect relations between social interaction and mathematics learning. (Contains 60…

The difficulty with which native English-speaking adults learning French control the distinction between verb aspects has prompted study of the neurological processes that may affect this learning process. It is concluded that it may not be possible to change these basic perception patterns of adult learners. (MSE)

Analyzes effect of brain hemisphere orientation on music appreciation. Reports results from 36 left-hemisphere and 36 right-hemisphere undergraduates who responded to a musical selection verbally or visually. Finds right-hemisphere students show greater appreciation, measured by attention, understanding, and enjoyment scores. Discusses…

Reviews current research to argue that minority students do not have learning styles different from students of the dominant culture. Stresses that an understanding of cultural and gender factors will help developmental instructors become more effective teachers. Suggests use of the "Connected Teaching" model of Belenky to develop such…

Every young person should be obliged to engage in some program of systematic study until he/she can meet core learning standard for entry into adult society realizing that this will take different amounts of time for different individuals. Learning can take place in wide variety of settings and by many methods. Age-grade link also needs to be…

This response to Vicki Snider (EC 602 672) claims that teaching reading through students' learning style strengths has resulted in accelerated learning and significant gains in student motivation, reading fluency, and comprehension. The commentary discusses the research base on phonics instruction, learning styles, and The Reading Style Inventory.…

Videotaped interviews of 29 Australian students from grades 1-3 were analyzed to assess and compare the processing loads of mathematical representations and strategies used by teachers and children to learn the concept of place value. Results indicated that some representations and strategies impose an unnecessary processing load that can…

Examines evaluation in a situated learning context. Topics discussed include a model for evaluation in a computer learning environment; portfolios, including written, electronic, and video formats; summary statistics; diagnosis; reflection and self-assessment; story construction or scenario design; learners as designers of instruction; and…

Describes the theoretical models which suggest different "levels" in memory processing, corresponding to the short-term and long-term storage of information. Reviews studies substantiating this perspective and outlines strategies for the use of "levels" in developmental education design, as an alternative to rote memorization. (PAA)