Portfolio-based assessment of prior learning typically follows Western assumptions about universal, value-based knowledge. It can be strengthened by recognizing that knowledge is embedded in specific social, cultural, and historical contexts. (SK)

Younger (n=40) and older (n=40) adults received information on either familiar or unfamiliar diseases and answered questions about it. Older adults learned less regardless of familiarity or type of memory test. Both older and younger participants learned less new information about familiar diseases. (Contains 30 references.) (SK)

Aims to contextualize recognition of prior learning (RPL) as a principle and to show the implications of recent developments in education for implementing RPL in higher education in South Africa. (EV)

This fifth in a series of edited transcripts based on a conference at Utah State University compares elements in Gagne's Events of Instruction with Merrill's Component Display Theory (CDT). Topics discussed include presenting objectives to the student; prior learning; stimulus and guidance; and presentation forms. (six references) (LRW)

Argues that a loss in general literacy occurs as the potential for imagery decreases through lack of understanding of the root meanings of words. Argues that the rich stores of imagery that contribute to English vocabulary are denied to those ignorant of the linguistic contributions to the English language. (RS)

A discussion of the relationship between background knowledge and reading comprehension examines evidence that American students have insufficient world knowledge and reading ability for the demands of higher education, and suggests methods instructors can use to enrich students' prior knowledge to enhance reading comprehension. (Author/MSE)

Notes that children either actively participated by asking questions or passively participated by listening to a recast containing a familiar synonym for each target word. Finds that children with higher vocabulary knowledge acquired significantly more words than did passive participants, and children with high versus low working memory did not…

This brief article uses a weaving metaphor to address the relationship between braille and reading, with prior knowledge (the warp threads) interacting with reading content (the weft threads) by means of braille (the shuttle). Reading is seen to be an interactive process between reader, text, and the context of the reading situation. (DB)

Offers suggestions for spreading ownership of a prior learning program: sharing the program's philosophy; conducting workshops; arranging informal gatherings; assigning tutors; establishing a faculty committee; soliciting ideas; recruiting faculty; acting as liaison; publishing guidelines; convincing others of the program's value; and revealing…

Explains how five experiments were conducted to examine readers' access to backgrounded causal information in the absence of a local coherence break. States that participants read surprise-ending stories in which some story actions were explained by information in the preceding context and others were not. Finds that participants receiving prior…

Five experiments tested hypothesis that the A-not-B error results from general processes that make goal-directed actions to remembered locations. Findings showed that 2-year-olds' performance on the A trial was accurate. When the object was hidden at Location B, searches after 10-second delay were biased in the direction of Location A. This bias…

A nursing portfolio is a means of documenting skills, professional development, and goal achievement. A portfolio enables registered nurses returning to school to describe their achievements and earn credit for experience. (SK)

Describes "character maps," an activity that draws upon the reader's prior knowledge of people to understand a book's characters. Includes a brief list of additional activities and extensions to reinforce comprehension through characterization. (RS)

"Recognition of Prior Learning" (RPL) is usually associated with assessment processes prior to entry into an educational programme. This paper considers the recognition of prior learning in post-entry pedagogy (referred to here as "rpl" lower case). The focus is on informal learning or experience in courses in Labour Law at two…

It has been suggested that computer simulations may be used for intelligence assessment. This study investigates what relationships exist between intelligence and computer-simulated tasks that mimic real-world problem-solving behavior, and discusses design requirements that simulations have to meet in order to be suitable for intelligence…