Described is research which sought to prove the hypothesis that mental models tend to preserve their autonomy with regard to the originals they are meant to represent. The results of this investigation involving 200 Israeli students are presented. (CW)

Examines the perception of four English vowels by adult native speakers of German. The role of foreign-language experience in the perception of second-language vowels was examined through labeling responses to members of synthetic continua in which vowel duration and spectrum were varied factorily. (42 references) (GLR)

Investigated is the extent to which students' nonscientific beliefs change by comparing before and after instruction as a function of students' reasoning skill. Nonscientific beliefs discussed include special creation, orthogenesis, the soul, nonreductionism, vitalism, teleology, and nonemergentism. (KR)

Explores the interrelationship of learning, language and literature. Suggests assignments that allow students to respond like readers rather than like apprentice critics. Asserts that writing is not merely recording, and reading is not merely decoding. States that confusions about meaning and syntax disappear when writers read their own work…

Examines the development of women's studies programs and women's studies collections in light of their potential impact on information literacy education. Topics discussed include the role librarians play in the institutionalization of knowledge; enhanced access to diverse perspectives; curriculum transformation; and ways of learning. (21…

Research findings on effective learning are limited, since mental activity is covert and learning can only be inferred from subsequent responses. Integrating such concepts as ability, motivation, self-efficacy, and perseverance is difficult. The respective roles of modeling, expectations, instruction, and feedback are not well understood.…

Discusses constructivist uses of production rule expert systems that may be used to support learning for secondary and higher education. Highlights include locus of control; and objectivist and constructivist applications of expert systems as intelligent tutoring systems, as feedback systems, as personal knowledge representation tools, and for…

To make elementary science students grasp the scientific concepts being taught, teachers must not ignore their preconceived ideas. Instead, teachers must identify misconceptions then help the students test them. The article presents a step-by-step approach that can serve as a model for teaching any science concept. (SM)

If college faculty were encouraged by leadership to share their teaching experiences and insights, good teaching could flourish. Useful conversation topics include critical moments in teaching and learning; the human condition of teachers and learners; metaphors and images of the teaching process; and autobiographical reflection on great teachers.…

Mismatch between gesture and speech was used to study cognitive processes that characterize the transition between incorrect, but rule-governed, problem understanding to correct rule-governed understanding among 90 fourth graders in Chicago (Illinois). Data support the idea that the transitional state is characterized by concurrent activation of…

A study investigated the effect of classroom assessment techniques (CATs) on both content and process of college students' learning. Instructors ask students to provide regular, anonymous feedback about their understanding of course material and the effectiveness of class structure. Comments of students in biology, business management, political…

Few college teachers understand the process learners go through during periods of insight, large or small. Many treat this transition from one paradigm of knowledge to another as purely cognitive when, in fact, it is also highly emotional. A model of the transition is presented and a reflective guide is offered to help teachers facilitate this…

Describes a case study of a second-language student's writing process and development over the course of two years. Provides both a qualitative and quantitative perspective to second-language writing development. Presents a rationale for analyzing errors and syntactic maturity to better understand strategies employed by students when writing in a…

Reports a study of the learning strategies and processes of four adult learners of Chinese, using data collected over a two-year period. Students showed a number of different approaches to learning, not all of which could be classified "good language learner" strategies. Findings suggest areas for exploration in immersion education, especially…

Describes the learning-cycle inquiry model and applies it to a history lesson on the problems and conflicts leading to World War I. Describes how students tackle a teacher-created problematic situation by conceptualizing questions, constructing hypotheses, and reaching consensus on solutions; debate their proposed solutions with the class; and…