Two investigations of spontaneous use of mnemonic strategies by learning disabled and nonlearning disabled children and adolescents are reported. Despite differences, recall and strategy use were not useful predictors of classification as learning disabled or nonlearning disabled and were only weak to moderate correlates of academic achievement.…

Offers suggestions for successful instruction in precis writing--a paraphrase or abstract that condenses an original composition but retains its information, essence, and point of view. Observes that this is a strategy that develops vocabulary, promotes critical reading and comprehension, and improves learning in general. (HOD)

Reports a study which compares a deductive approach and an example approach in teaching the formation of participial phrases in an English as a second language class. Findings showed that field-independent subjects performed better with the deductive lesson and that field-dependent subjects performed better with the example approach. (SED)

Describes a learning strategies training model that engineers the instructional environment following study skills training to prompt students to use previously taught learning strategies during study. Empirical and theoretical evidence supporting this model are presented, and a basic skills curriculum incorporating this model--the Job Skills…

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)

Discusses the metacognitive skill of learning to learn and explores questions related to its importance for teaching. Describes work in progress that is designed to incorporate learning to learn into the curriculum for 10-14 year olds. Presents a hierarchical model of learning skills, strategies, and approaches and a guide for teachers. (JHZ)

Edwin Gordon took the sequential levels of learning outlined by Gagne and adapted them to audiation (the ability to hear music for which the sound is not physically present) and musical learning. His method of teaching music is discussed. (RM)

Research has revealed distinct differences in the problem-solving approaches of high- and low-aptitude students. As a consequence, content area teachers can focus on thinking skills by having students describe their mental processes and giving them feedback on erroneous or incomplete reasoning. (TE)

After noting classroom techniques that made a difference in student learning, the authors focus on reducing the distractions of a school environment and providing principals a classroom observation instrument. They suggest a student observation form to be used by principals, analyzing six student behavior categories. (JW)

Compares the performance of Black, Hispanic, and Anglo students on a story unscrambling task to determine if sociocultural differences in story schemata affect reading comprehension. Shows some effects suggesting that the three groups have somewhat different strategies for choosing initial and final sentences and for making narratives coherent.…

This brief describes how Maine's introduction of its ubiquitous 1-to-1 laptop program has been beneficial to learning, if one looks in the right places. There is growing positive evidence from teachers, parents, classroom assignments and tests, and even in one case, on a standardized test, all pointing toward a similar conclusion. Students are…

Students construct meaning from text through conversation and social interaction. This research examines how the use of an online, threaded discussion, as a discourse support, can facilitate deeper levels of student understanding. The basic assumption being tested is that using discourse supports, applying various discussion strategies like…

In this paper, I draw together a corpus of findings derived from two sources: studies of students using computers to learn mathematics, and research into the use of mathematics in professional practice. Using this as a basis, I map some elements of a theoretical framework for understanding the nature of mathematical knowledge in use, and how it is…

This study addressed two specific questions regarding Korean students at American colleges and universities. One is a question of accommodation, and the other is a question of orientation: to what extent do we need to change our classroom format and teaching methodology (and types of assignments) to accommodate students from different cultures and…

This chapter furthers the discussion of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation by contending that learning and studying are multidetermined and that intrinsic motivation is typically accompanied by extrinsic motivation. The chapter begins with a discussion of the concept of future time perspective as a cognitive-motivational personality…