Empirical research on adult learning conducted by Jack Mezirow in the 1970s was revolutionary and groundbreaking and contributed to the creation of a critical theory of adult learning. His influence has remained at the forefront of adult education theory for over two decades. It is timely to consider whether other empirical research has…

This project involves the collaboration of researchers with 24 teachers in a study aimed at investigating and improving the vocabulary knowledge and reading comprehension of 4th and 5th grade students for whom English is a second language. Cross sectional and longitudinal data were collected on various aspects of vocabulary knowledge, vocabulary…

This paper presents the results of a study of the cognitive strategies in which ninth-grade science students engaged as they used a learner-centered dynamic modeling tool (called Model-It) to make original models based upon stream ecosystem scenarios. The research questions were: (1) In what Cognitive Strategies for Modeling (analyzing, reasoning,…

This paper focuses on the scientific dialogue of a small group following an experiment on motion under gravity. This research was designed to investigate ways in which practical activities can be used to foster links between upper elementary children's spontaneous concepts and Newtonian mechanics. Implicit in this is the notion that teaching…

The purpose of this book is to help parents become partners in their children's success in school by offering them practical ways to help with homework and assignments. Parents can use the Big Six Skills information problem-solving process to effectively deal with the abundance of information available from many sources and guide their children…

This workbook for developing communication in learners with severe disabilities is from the Mississippi Early Education Program for Children with Multiple Disabilities, a program designed to train Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Part H service coordinators and service providers to use family centered strategies. The objective of the…

This guide is designed to provide beginning foreign language students with a general guide to language learning success, and to accompany second language textbooks. An introductory section is addressed to both teachers and students. The first chapter proposes that language learners can take charge of their own language learning experience. Chapter…

This paper, the first in a series of discussion papers for faculty members and administrators, contends that outdated structures, practices, and reward systems frustrate higher education's ability to reap the benefits of new directions in student learning. It finds that broad agreement is emerging on what students ought to learn from their…

Distance learning educators may utilize techniques formerly designed for students with learning disabilities (LD) to enrich the experience of distance education students. Both LD and distance learners suffer from "learned helplessness"--an inability to set realistic goals and a limited perception of the rewards of education. These problems,…

Arguing that summaries of 562 studies from 1985 through 1994 reveal that almost no attention is paid to the cognitive effects of Head Start programs, this report criticizes Head Start as being steadily and more generously funded without evidence that it helps children's scholastic achievements. The report criticizes available studies as practicing…

This paper introduces the purposes of school learning communities. Section 1, "Foundations of a Learning Community," presents a definition and discusses different approaches to reforming schools. Section 2, "Key Aspects of a Learning Community," highlights three components of learning communities (student learning, teacher…

This report contains the proceedings of a conference convened to build on the work of those pioneering better teaching and learning techniques for boys. Teachers at the conference were asked to present their schools' experiences in a case study format to maximize the learning and discussion among participants. The report begins with a schedule of…

This action research project implemented and evaluated a program for improving student transfer of knowledge to real life experiences. The targeted population consisted of second, sixth, and tenth grade students in a Midwestern community located outside of a major city. Evidence suggested a need for this program as documented by teacher generated…

Literacy across Cultures, the journal of the Foreign Language Literacy Special Interest Group, a special interest group formed within the Japan Association for Language Teaching, seeks to network people, ideas, theory, practice, and experiences that can help lead to a better understanding of foreign language literacy. This issue contains six…

This book aims to provide practical, research-informed answers to the questions most frequently asked by teachers of second language learners. Every question targets one of the key instructional issues teachers must address to ensure success for their second language students. Included among the questions are: How do I assess a student's English?…