Whether the noting of ideas in a text (by underlining, highlighting, or taking notes) is a mediating variable between importance and the learning of those ideas was assessed, using 160 college students. Ability, prereading of main idea questions, and retrospective probe questions were also assessed as variables. (TJH)

A discussion-oriented, direct approach to teaching decoding and spelling based on word origin and structure is proposed. The instruction leads students to a comparison and contrast of letter-sound correspondences, syllable patterns, and morpheme patterns in English words of Anglo-Saxon, Romance, and Greek origin. (Author/JDD)

The relationship between knowing that organization during study will facilitate performance (metamemory) and grouping pictures by semantic category was examined in a free recall task for 60 first-graders and 48 fourth-graders. Results suggest that how and when reflective activity occurs may be crucial for learning effectiveness. (SLD)

Computers can be used in a study skills program for students with mild disabilities to enhance text comprehension in content areas, develop vocabulary, organize and monitor errors of written work, and increase research skills for information location. (MSE)

Defines career education appropriate for exceptional and regular elementary learners. Identifies study and work skills common to career and elementary curriculum needs. Suggests techniques for teaching these skills in elementary classrooms, including development of plan by student and teacher to document progress toward curriculum objectives. (TES)

Investigates whether a computer-based word study method, emphasizing automaticity of response, would improve students' word recognition, spelling, and oral reading performance. Finds support for a verbal efficiency theory of reading, in which the key to developing reading efficiency is developing word recognition that is automatic. (RS)

Describes a method used to help students clarify and resolve problems related to their study habits. The "Plan-Making" process involves reality therapy, identifying characteristics of a good plan (e.g., simple, specific, repetitious, independent, and immediate), selecting areas of need, and individual conferences. Reviews student responses to the…

Looks at the effect of student-written test questions on student test performance. Students either wrote essay or multiple-choice questions, or did not write questions. Student items were not used on the test. Results indicate that question-writing is an effective studying technique. (Author/LS)

Investigates whether or not SRQ2R (Survey, Read, Question, Recite, Review) usage is facilitated by pretraining in text structures or main ideas. Finds that SRQ2R was effective in improving fourth- through ninth-grade students' higher-level thinking skills and their comprehension of expository material. (RS)

Develops thesis that study skills are best presented from a metacognitive perspective. As students develop self-regulatory skills along with procedural skills they are best able to make effective use of study skills techniques. Presents a model of metalearning that brings together a number of variables that may influence learning outcomes.…

Among 257 American Indian college students surveyed by questionnaire at a science and engineering conference, ratings were somewhat positive for quality of college instruction and personal feelings toward college, slightly positive for own study skills and academic preparation in high school, and somewhat negative for academic and career…

Reports results of metanalysis of 19 studies on concept mapping (CM) in science instruction. Results showed CM has positive effects on student achievement and attitudes. Differences in achievement depended on science content class, with biology being most favored. Smaller differences in achievement were found when CM groups were compared to a…

Three elementary students with behavioral disorders were trained to use a cognitive "cover, copy, and compare" strategy to learn division facts. Two students increased their rate of correct responding to mastery level, the third student required additional feedback and goal setting, and all three students maintained increased rates of…

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…

Examines the degree to which teaching beginning readers to use various types of analogies helps them pronounce new words and nonwords. Finds that, although beginning readers can use analogies, they rely to a large extent on correspondences between individual phonemes and graphemes to decode new words. (RS)