Describes an alternate view of language learning strategies that limits their application to those behaviors that are intentional and freely chosen. A model is presented that postulates that for strategies to be used, students must be aware of one or more appropriate strategies, have reason to use them, have no impediments to their use, and should…

The role of prior knowledge in elaboration strategies was examined in 3 experiments involving 304 college students.. Elaborative interrogation was most effective when learners were able to draw on a rich knowledge base. When the knowledge base was low, imagery-based strategies were more potent than elaborative interrogation. (SLD)

Describes methods for constructing gates and slalom courses to teach paddling skills to young campers. Describes how the English Gate system, a standardized course, can be used both for instruction and to test camper's paddling skills. Recommends the use of a three-level award system (novice, intermediate, and expert) to recognize camper…

This study evaluated the effectiveness of promoting relational thinking, using "elaborative interrogation" techniques, to facilitate the content acquisition of 36 elementary school students with mild disabilities. Results indicated that students coached in relational thinking who generated their own explanations outperformed students who…

Describes mapping, a collaborative activity to stimulate discussion or summarize learning. (SR)

Two experiments were conducted with 124 undergraduate and graduate students to investigate the interaction between strategy use and accessibility to relevant knowledge. Variations in relevant knowledge accessibility significantly affected strategy use on the first memorization trial, and ease of use on the first trial affected maintenance of the…

Two guiding principles for classroom management and instruction that emerge out of current knowledge about attention mechanisms and processes are that teachers should adapt their instruction to their students' stable attention mechanisms and that teachers should use imaginative teaching and management strategies to help students enhance their…

Lists five key elements of cooperative learning. Shares some ideas on cooperative learning successfully used in the language arts classroom. (RS)

Analysis of pretest and posttest scores showed no significant differences in the achievement of 58 adult students in cooperative learning groups in business English compared to that of students who learn through teacher-directed methods. A stronger spirit of participation, cooperation, and helpfulness was observed among group members. (JOW)

Discusses an approach to teaching multiplication that establishes an association between what is learned and what is already known. Notes that this technique recognizes the qualities of a set of facts has in common, applies this knowledge to the grouping of facts, presents a visual illustration of the multiplication table, and offers an…

This commentary discusses three issues raised by Brainerd and others' research on forgetting: (1) measurement of forgetting rates; (2) differentiation of storage from retrieval factors; and (3) implications of findings for procedure- or strategy-oriented memory development theories. (BC)

Discusses how advertisers use information (i.e., how they organize and present words) and suggests similarities with educators who try to attract attention, impart information, and foster retention of that information. Positioning in marketing is explained; and educational implications are discussed, including focusing on the audience and studying…

This critique of Edwin Ellis' model for integrative strategy instruction for adolescents with learning disabilities comments on the feasibility of the model in the public school context, the completeness of the model in considering elements of classroom ecology, internal integrity or consistency, evaluation of student assessment, and evaluation of…

Presents three types of simple events knowledge models: (1) a simple list of events; (2) a list of cause-effect sequences; and (3) a list of events that describe a problem and its solution. (SR)

Defines and describes the processes by which students acquire new knowledge: accretion, tuning, and restructuring. Relates these processes to knowledge models presented in earlier columns. Discusses extension activities. (RS)