Scores of high school students responding to the same biology cognitive preference test using both normative and ipsative procedures were compared. All subtests, whether ipsative or normative, had high alpha Cronbach coefficients. A number of similarities were found in the mean scores obtained by the two procedures, as well as moderate positive…

The effect of cognitive style matching was studied in teacher-student pairs. Teachers and students were matched or mismatched on one or two cognitive style dimensions (serialism-holism, and field dependence-independence). Matching effects were obtained on objective test performance and on teachers' and students' subjective ratings of each other.…

Investigation of native English-speaking adults' and native Spanish-speaking children's acquisition of noun gender and its function in Spanish revealed significant differences in first- and second-language acquisition, suggesting a developmental progression in acquisition of noun gender for both groups. (Author/CB)

A study of acquisition of new word formation devices in Hebrew as an indication of near-native competence is based on data collected from written questionnaires. The three tasks to be completed included: (1) production, requiring suggestions for new nouns; (2) evaluation, choosing the most appropriate innovation; and (3) interpretation,…

Reports on students' study and drawing of five electronic circuit diagrams. Concludes that the success of the students depended upon the amount of detail in the instructional diagrams. (RT)

Describes the study of learning strategies employed by successful (defined in terms of oral communicative abilities) Chinese learners of English. These strategies are compared to those of less successful learners and those of other population types from other studies. The test of oral communicative abilities is described. A strategies…

Examines the nature and prevalence of author-provided cues to effective processing of introductory college textbooks in psychology and biology. Concludes that the authors of the texts chose cues that would be effective even with relatively passive learners and rarely chose cues that demanded much activity from readers. (SKC)

Assesses potential technological benefits to the instructional and learning process in continuing education during the next 10-15 years. Discusses technological developments from the perspective of capabilities and role, as well as the instructional design process. Describes the need for an open learning system. (CH)

Reports on a study of the cognitive preferences of twelfth grade students in Israel. Results indicated that, during the last ten years, Israeli students have become more oriented toward application. (TW)

Standardized tests rely on communicative behavior. Incongruities between the language of the test giver and the test taker can result in bias. Data on communications should be consulted so that tests allow for linguistic and cultural differences. This is the only way the abilities of Blacks can be accurately assessed. (VM)

Investigated the association of field-dependent/independent cognitive style with mathematics anxiety, using mathematics scores of 481 secondary students. Indicated that field-dependent learners experienced more mathematics anxiety than did field-independent learners. Found significant interactions between sex and cognitive style and between…

Cognitive and communicative skills of library school students and health science students were compared using two self-reporting cognitive style inventories. Differences were found between the groups in oral, written, and nonverbal communication, and reasoning patterns, which may result in poor communication when librarians deal with health…

Reports possible validity of particular American Indian cognitive style based on the Bannatyne categories of the Wechsler Scales. Found statistically significant pattern of spatial ability, sequential ability, and verbal conceptual ability in 75 junior and senior high school Yakima Indian students. (LFL)

Many variables mitigate against a culture-fair test being devised. The Queensland Test--which has been administered to Aboriginal children--is probably fairer than most IQ tests, although it appears to measure the degree of contact with Western culture (implying socio-economic variables) rather than mental and chronological age or cognitive…

This minicourse can be used in secondary U.S. history courses to teach about the social, economic, industrial, and technological changes that can be triggered by a single technological innovation. The lesson contains sequenced activities that alternatively stress right and left brain modes of learning. (RM)