Explains the difference between rote and experiential/locale learning, their effects on neurons of the brain, and their impact on short- and long-term memory. Draws upon brain research to explore the effects of stress and boredom on learning. Notes programs that employ teaching methods using brain-based theories of learning. (DMM)

Lack of knowledge of learning psychology is the underlying reason for failure in second language learning. The highest cognitive step is not given the required attention. The unanswered question is whether an institutional setting allows for this, or whether an immersion program should be a mandatory complement to any program. (MSE)

Examines the relationship between development of story schema skills and strategies children adopt for attending to and remembering television narratives. Finds advanced story schema skills were related to reduced processing effort, increased memory of central story content, greater flexibility of allocation strategies, and better coordination…

Discussion of memory for text information focuses on an earlier study which appeared to show that it is better for students to study a summary of a textbook chapter than to study the chapter itself. Topics discussed include recognition memory, recall, how to test memory, and psychological research. (10 references) (LRW)

A view of the nature of critical thinking contexts is outlined, and several levels of generality at which the principles and procedures of critical thinking might be addressed are identified. Mastery, assessment, and the curricular place of critical thinking are discussed. (IAH)

Examines implications of incorporating a metacognitive focus in the curriculum. Recommends an integrative and contextualized approach to teaching children to understand and apply metacognitive strategies. (RAE)

Argues that teachers can help students improve their learning by understanding the reasons why students have not been successful, by identifying strategies that promote active participation in the learning process, and by teaching students how to become more responsible for their own learning. (RAE)

This paper discusses recent research on second-language learning and argues that "prior knowledge" does not necessarily constitute the basis of comprehension in second-language learning, that "comprehended input" does not have to be "learner-controlled," and that "input" and "intake" are not necessarily two fundamentally different phenomena.…

Summarizes a framework for analyzing educational media in terms of how well multimedia systems support the teaching-learning process. Relates four types of media to different "modes" of learning: (1) discussion; (2) interactive media; (3) adaptive media; and (4) reflection. Concludes that multimedia can support student-guided learning. (JMV)

Discusses computer-supported cooperative learning (CSCL) in the context of computer-supported cooperative work (CSCW). Highlights include learning as a process in CSCW, learning as a task, learning research and CSCL, methodologies of researchers in CSCL, learning outcomes, and educational research issues in CSCL. Contains 62 references. (LRW)

Describes a series of preliminary studies suggesting that the benefits of collaboration may be not only the result of peer interaction but also due to peer presence. Suggests peer presence must be considered in all such studies, and that better integration of social and affective approaches with cognitive approaches may be necessary to understand…

Current schooling must change based on new scientific evidence concerning the way human beings learn. To chase fads without addressing teachers' instructional behaviors or the antiquated organizational structures characterizing most schools is frivolous. There is a broad gap between performance and learning and an even broader gap between…

Presents an investigation that engages students in constructing models of houses to examine the dynamics of energy flow patterns. Uses the learning cycle procedure that allows students to experience the processes of science and to use higher level thinking skills. (JRH)

Describes a classification scheme for multimedia interaction based on the degree of control and type of cognitive engagement in three different learning environments. Three levels of interaction are discussed, and implications for learner control and practice when designing interactive multimedia-based instruction are considered. (Contains 37…

Asserts that several of the assumptions underlying Noam Chomsky's and W. V. O. Quine's theories of language acquisition and development are misleading or false. It is argued, among other things, that children do not "acquire" language, but rather learn how to participate in the linguistic community surrounding them. (99 references) (MDM)