Cognitive and situative theories have both proved very useful in furthering our understandings of mathematics learning. An important current area of investigation is to synthesize these perspectives in order to provide more robust theories of learning and to bring theory and practice into better relations with each other. This paper contributes to…

A holistic approach to evaluating an adult education and training program or service was proposed that is based on consideration of the following: ethics, objectives, stakeholders, coverage, effects, and costs. According to the proposed approach, the following are among the design features of multimedia instruction to be considered before an…

A living systems model of community development has been synthesized from elements of three perspectives: (1) a global movement toward more sustainable patterns of human development that is identifying indicators of community health in a wide range of categories; (2) research on the complex interactions of living systems that make life on earth…

Paper prepared under contract with the Defense Language Institute, English Language Branch, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, and presented to the staff and faculty of the Institute in 1972. (RS)

Defends the role of humanities instruction in the education of engineering undergraduates in the areas of problem solving, risk taking, and the synthesis of metaphors and symbols. (AEA)

Examines the similarities and differences between instructional theory and learning theory. Suggests that a unified theory of both instructional theory and learning theory needs to exist so that all aspects of human behavior within the instructional situation can be placed in perspective. (Author)

Argues that the goal of synthesis, as literally understood, is inadequate when used as a defining characteristic of interdisciplinary studies since epistemological differences among disciplines can be irreconcilable. Proposes alternative objectives for interdisciplinary studies, such as broadening students' perspectives and showing limitations of…

This study examines 103 meta-analyses related to educational achievement published over 10 years to produce a meta-synthesis. Various characteristics of the meta-analyses are summarized to produce a methodological profile of research, and effect sizes are synthesized to assess an educational productivity model. (SLD)

Describes a study of graduate distance education students that defined and measured collaboration during asynchronous computer-mediated communication using a threaded Web discussion. Developed a model for evaluating interdependence, synthesis, and independence in collaboration; and discusses the role of collaboration in problem solving, along with…

A synthesis of the purposes of North American educational systems and processes of administering educational systems derived from research literature was affirmed through surveys of several thousand administrators. A study involving over 10,000 students and their teachers found effective-school organization to be a powerful predictor of student…

Performance of children with and without language-learning disabilities (ages 9-13) on 2 types of cognitive tasks was compared. Children (n=14) with language-learning disabilities performed at a level commensurate with a language-matched group on a concept formation task and at a level commensurate with a mental-age matched group on an…

Assessment of 15 students with learning disabilities (ages 9-13) found that their ability to answer comprehension and synthesis questions was poorer than that of their peers, but their ability to answer knowledge, analysis, and application questions was commensurate with age peers. Findings suggest that individual assessment of levels of…

Advances in the neurosciences, biomechanics, and behavior sciences, along with attempts to integrate theories and findings across these disciplines, have led to a renewed interest in the study of motor development. Considers the contributions that have led to the reinvigoration of this field of study and its new interdisciplinary outlook. (MDM)