In a study of 151 college freshmen of both sexes, cognitive complexity and learning orientation revealed gender-related qualitative differences within parallel cognitive structures. Different cognitive structures were accompanied by different learning orientations. (Author/TE)

The recent Carvo/Chall phonics debate (in the September and November "Kappan" issues) reduces children's early literacy development to a battle over methods. Reductionist disagreements and simplistic notions about complex behaviors must yield to a theoretically grounded, unified approach to literacy learning and instructional practices.…

Major approaches of describing or examining linguistic data from a potential target language (input) are analyzed for adequacy in addressing the concerns of second language learning theory. Suggestions are made for making the best of these varied concepts of input and for reformulation of a unified concept. (MSE)

Summarizes prominent research-based perspectives on children's thinking about their own achievement. Identifies effective tactics for classroom intervention and teacher influence. (RJC)

Rhythmic groups of cyclical movements--action cycles--were identified during interactions between adults and subjects (12 children, aged 8-18, and 6 young adults with profound mental handicap). Subjects performed similar actions for apparently similar reasons at similar rates to their caregivers, giving strong indication of a biologically robust…

The social cognitive conception of self-regulated learning presented here involves a triadic analysis of component processes and an assumption of reciprocal causality among personal, behavioral, and environmental triadic influences. Central roles for academic self-efficacy beliefs and three self-regulatory processes (self-observation,…

Discusses psychotechnology as it relates to the learning process. Topics discussed include states of consciousness; brain wave entraining; sleep learning; cognitive restructuring; learner objectives; implications of psychotechnologies for instructional design and development; and possible future trends, including the need for subjective evaluation…

Discusses the role of instructional design in the development of learning theory. Topics discussed include the acquisition of knowledge and skills; models of teaching; the teaching and acquisition of concepts; influences on retention; and the integration of procedures, principles, and concepts for solving problems. (20 references) (LRW)

Empirical parallels between repetition priming (RP) and automaticity predicted by the instance theory were studied in 4 experiments with a total of 196 introductory psychology students. RP was viewed as the first few steps toward automaticity. Characteristics RP shares with automaticity, beyond a general speed-up with practice, are discussed. (SLD)

A developmentally appropriate curriculum can never be standardized in a multicultural community. Thoughtful teachers can use child development principles to make the new context of school meaningful, to attach new kinds of learning to what children have already achieved, and to safeguard children's growing self-image and self-confidence as their…

Reviews the literature on Keller's Personalized System of Instruction (PSI), computer-assisted learning (CAL), computer conferencing (CC), and forms of instruction, then discusses how they can be integrated into a delivery system to enhance distance learning. Asynchronous individualized instruction and group instruction are also discussed. (28…

Utilizes the information processing model of human memory to provide teachers with suggestions for improving the teaching-learning process. Briefly explains and specifies applications of major theoretical concepts: attention, active learning, meaningfulness, organization, advanced organizers, memory aids, overlearning, automatically, and…

Discussion of instructional theory and the teaching-learning process focuses on implementation of the Structural Learning Theory. Topics discussed include learner models and approaches to intelligent tutoring; control mechanisms in information processing systems; human cognition; assessing individual knowledge; and designing intelligent tutors.…

Examines students' frequent failure to write meaningful essays in light of their inability to use personal experience as a basis for their writing. Compares the processes of writing and experiential learning. Suggests ways of transforming writing assignments into learning experiences. (DMM)

A stochastic version of a knowledge space is developed in which knowledge states are considered as possible epochs in a subject's learning history. It specifies how a subject is channeled through and progresses along a "gradation." The model's application to artificial data is described, based on maximum likelihood methods. (TJH)