Describes how to use a language-processing model to develop holistic reading strategies for college-level English-as-a-Second-Language students. The paper explains how to use an English reading processor, develop a supplementary reading program, access students' background knowledge, and find methods that work, noting that this model will nurture…

Describes a study that investigated the effects of cognitive style (field dependent and field independent) and online database search experience (novice and experienced) on undergraduate World Wide Web search performance. Considers user factors to predict search efficiency and discusses implications for Web interface design and user training…

Reviews selected research on children's early formation of categories. Finds sophistication in how children group objects and think about those groupings. Notes findings related to type of grouping (thematic or taxonomic), multiple classifications, overgeneralization, the role of background knowledge on classification abilities, the…

Argues that the life sciences offer potential for practical work to be undertaken outside the classroom. Explores a rationale for such work and draws on reported studies from a number of countries. Contains 44 references. (DDR)

This study investigated how domain specifications controlled topic and rater reliability. History students completed three performance tasks. For each topic, they took prior knowledge tests, read primary materials, and wrote explanatory essays. Using a theory-based scoring rubric, four raters scored all essays. The rubric worked similarly on the…

Investigated the effectiveness of two computer literacy courses for preservice teachers, one offered online and one through traditional methods. Compared courses in terms of their effectiveness on computer attitudes and learning experiences about computers, and considered gender effects, previous computer courses, previous computer attitudes, and…

This study examined relationships between faculty computer self-efficacy and integration of electronic communication when teaching. Results showed computer self-efficacy scores differed on age, gender, college, integration, and computer experience. Recommends faculty development efforts to increase self-efficacy by providing hands-on experiences…

Focuses on student and in-service primary teachers' learning about balanced and unbalanced forces in a range of contexts and identifies significant features of the learning process from the learners' perspectives. (Contains 33 references.) (DDR)

This study presents comparative case studies of preservice and first-year teachers' and expert teachers' conceptions of the concept of prior knowledge. Kelly's ("The Psychology of Personal Construct", New York: W. W. Norton, 1955) theory of personal constructs as discussed by Akerson, Flick, and Lederman ("Journal of Research in…

The transfer of matter and energy from one organism to another and between organisms and their physical setting is a fundamental concept in life science. Not surprisingly, this concept is common to the "Benchmarks for Science Literacy" (American Association for the Advancement of Science, [1993]), the "National Science Education Standards"…

Mathematics in textbooks and indeed in conventional classrooms is often presented as exercises or worksheets in which the mathematics itself has been processed into a form that is easily digested. This McDonald's version of mathematics ensures that the mathematical skill or technique is laid bare and typically the sole focus of attention. In this…

Given the important role of science teacher educators in developing science teachers' understandings of nature of science (NOS), this study explores 15 Turkish "prospective" science teacher educators' beliefs about NOS in the context of teacher education reform in Turkey. A reflection-oriented qualitative approach was adopted in the…

This report focuses on distance education within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) for the 2007-08 academic year and provides documentation of the substantial growth of distance education within all colleges and universities. Distance education is a field of continuous improvement and change, and NSHE institutions are constantly…

A multi-pronged comparative approach was used to identify training and development needs specific to faculty evaluators of prior learning experience essays. Surveys were administered to 39 active evaluators who were members of the National-Louis University (NLU) faculty and 14 directors of prior learning assessment programs external to NLU. The…

A new integrative learning model has been designed to help corporate educators facilitate employee learning transfer and on-the-job performance. The model's components are as follows: (1) access new information, ideas, experiences, and/or perspectives; (2) identify relevance and value based on integrated life experience and wisdom; (3) engage in…