Fifty-three elementary school children were tested on Incidental Science Knowledge, i.e., knowledge acquired by chance outside school, and the results obtained were correlated with intellectual development and cognitive style as measured by interviews and group testing, respectively. Indicates that cognitive style and misconception play a…

This study focuses on secondary students' (n=79) understanding of ecological concepts and the influence of field instruction strategies on their understanding and retention. Results indicate all groups exhibited statistically significant posttest gains and showed evidence of retaining the targeted concepts. (Author/MCO)

Learning outcomes of Alberta Native and non-Native adult learners were differentially affected by relative preference for visual versus verbal learning style. Also demonstrated were the importance of individual differences and the complex interaction of learning style preference, instructional materials, learning task, and cultural background.…

The author makes a case for keeping sensitivity and intuitive approaches in the science classroom. The importance of emotional connections with other organisms, considered a critical part of enriched, effective scientific thinking, is emphasized. Female and male learning styles are described. (KR)

Investigated the effects of studying an ecological system via computer simulation on 14- and 15-year-old students' (n=9) abilities to pose hypotheses; control and manipulate variables; and learn via icon, graph, and table display formats. Working with a simulation encouraged students to think hypothetically and test their hypotheses by controlling…

A discussion of the Linguistic Coding Deficit Hypothesis presents an overview of the theory; describes five prototypes of second-language learners, each illustrated by a distinct language processing profile; and examines how the ability to identify prototypes can help teachers interpret student difficulties and design instruction to address them.…

Compares the operational and sociomoral reasoning maturity of 70 deaf children with that of a sensory unimpaired control sample. Tests subjects individually on three Piagetian tasks, story pairs, and the concept of justice. Finds slower development of operational reasoning in the deaf children but comparable development in sociomoral reasoning.…

Measures the effects of cognitive-style field dependence/field independence on students' ability to discern form in music. Applies tests to 119 nonmusic majors enrolled in an introductory music course. Finds field-independent subjects scored significantly higher than field-dependent subjects. Identifies variables affecting learning for both…

Discussion of how to integrate computers into the classroom focuses on seven principles of instruction: (1) mastery learning; (2) overlearning and automaticity; (3) cooperative learning; (4) monitoring student progress; (5) immediate feedback; (6) learning styles; and (7) classroom management. Guidelines for using computers to support the…

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics'"Professional Standards for Teaching Mathematics" perceive teachers as key figures in changing the way mathematics is conceived and taught. Discusses research related to teacher reflection and its relation to classroom practice. (MDH)

Studied the relationships of socialization, child rearing, and primary cultural experiences and the impact of the acculturating experiences of living in the United States on the cognitive styles of 150 Laotian Hmong intermediate, middle, and high school students. Findings suggest that traditional socialization at home is being modified by these…

Experiential and adventure educators' work can enrich their personal and professional lives if they examine how people learn, the relationship between what is taught and what is learned, their values, and their commitment. To maximize their learning experiences, experiential and adventure educators can seek feedback from colleagues, keep a…

Reviews recent research reports, policy statements, and federal legislation that recognize the arts as a fundamental subject. Discusses different ways of knowing, how the arts enhance learning in other areas, national standards for arts education, outcomes of arts education, and challenges to expanding arts education. Sidebars summarize a national…

A British industrialist and educator comments on how a college education should prepare individuals for the world of work and decision making, noting the importance of self-discovery, the relevance of multiple intelligences, the deception of competition, the similarity of learning and working, and the value of reflection. (MSE)

Describes a study conducted at the University of North London (England) that used an illuminative approach to evaluate undergraduate students' initial attitudes towards the use of information and communication technology. Discusses results of Honey and Mumford's learning style questionnaire and a factor analysis of student attitudes that included…