A model illustrates how humans interact with information and construct representations using short- and long-term memory. It shows that learners' prior knowledge and effective instructional materials have a significant effect on how competence is translated into good performance. (SK)

Interviews with 11 policymakers, 49 teachers, and 125 adult learners in Alberta explored their socioeconomic characteristics and political culture. Results showed the predominance of the therapeutic model, in which social problems are considered pathologies or deficits and treatment involves adapting learners to the economic requirements of…

This article describes a six-week course for design students called "Needs Awareness and Design" which stresses the development of creative thinking skills. Brainstorming is recommended for identifying many ideas, and synectics is stressed for actual problem solving. (DB)

Two students (ages 18 and 20) with moderate mental retardation were taught to use a pocket calculator to make purchases. Progressive time delay and general case programing methods were used. Results indicated that the purchasing behaviors generalized to two untrained community sites and to untrained items and were maintained four weeks after…

Describes learning environments, including cognitive flexibility hypertexts, anchored instruction, and computer-supported intentional learning environments. A brief history of educational technology is presented; and problems with open learning environments are discussed, including inappropriate learning theory, deficient metacognitive skills, and…

Evaluates the effectiveness of a computer-based training program designed to improve music students' ability to judge harmonic intonation. Concludes that undergraduate conducting students who took part in the Harmonic Information Training Program (HITP) for nine weeks outperformed a control group in discrimination tests. Reports mostly positive…

Undergraduates in a computer literacy class were pretested on analogical reasoning skills. One section then received LOGO programing instruction, and the other section received nonprograming instruction on computer uses in education. Posttest results indicated that analogical reasoning skills development is a consequence of LOGO programing and…

Two English composition classes of community college students followed the same syllabus, but students in one class were required to use a word processor. Data were gathered at the beginning and end of the semester through an attitude questionnaire and student writing samples. Results indicated improved writing skills and attitudes toward writing…

Discusses how environmental education (EE) can provide opportunities for development of higher order thinking skills such as learning critically and creatively, and learning to think in an integrated manner--in terms of identifying alternatives, using multiple sources, designing novel approaches, and identifying real and potential solutions.…

Defines memory skills as techniques for increasing initial learning and long-term retention of information, and argues that good memory skills are important. Nine ways in which teachers can improve the ability of students to remember are presented. Emphasis is placed on mnemonic strategies. (SLD)

Addresses the issue of master music teachers' motivation. Describes motivation as a learned habit reflecting these characteristics: clarity of purpose, delayed gratification, consistent persistence, continual self-evaluation, open-mindedness, emotional maturity, no fear of failure, and self-discipline. Attributes master music teachers' success to…

Observation of 31 teachers and their preschool students with disabilities in 2 contexts (meals and activities) showed that teachers frequently engaged children in communicative interactions, commented on ongoing activities, were highly responsive, and waited for children to respond. Teachers less frequently expanded children's utterances, prompted…

A survey of 31 college students with learning disabilities found few used comprehensive and effective notetaking techniques, with only a small number requesting notetaking accommodations. Major difficulties included speed of writing, paying attention, making sense of notes afterward, and deciding what information to record. Programing and research…

Reports results of a study assessing the effectiveness of teaching statistics with an emphasis on selection skills. Discusses how general academic ability and gender affected students' learning when the instructor emphasized selection skills. Concludes that teachers must emphasize selection skills through handouts, lectures, and examinations to…

Use of subject-generated elaborations taught through embedded and detached training strategies was compared with experimenter-provided elaborations (or no elaborations) in a computer-based instruction unit taken by 80 administrative assistants. Results favor use of subject-generated elaborations, particularly when taught by embedded training. (SLD)