This paper focuses on the difficulties of learners of Japanese as a second language from non-kanji backgrounds and the special difficulties they encounter in trying to learn the kanji writing system. It is asserted that most teachers of Japanese as a second language do not spend enough time on kanji teaching, with the students typically forced to…

There is growing evidence that the needs of adult and child or adolescent learners are very different. A recent study of adult learning and literacy suggests that participants who have goals in mind are likely to persist in their studies, and changing a goal through experience appears to be a positive decision. Effective adult learning programs…

Outlines the basic precepts of the case method, details the sources of cases in geography and how to teach them, and evaluates the relevance of the case method in teaching and learning geography. Argues that the case method is an interactive learning approach that promotes student discussion and experiential learning. (MJP)

Discusses school librarianship in Denmark. Highlights include proposals for a joint school library/public library system; student responsibility for their own learning; teaching students to use appropriate information technology to meet information needs; critical analysis of information; cataloging and classification of library materials; and…

Interviews with 13 creative Ontario high school seniors examined school conditions that fostered creativity. Extracurricular activities and sports provided opportunities to display creativity not found in regular school routines. Others' ideas often sparked creativity. Classrooms, assignments, and teachers that encouraged exploration, hands-on…

Presents a case study of computer-mediated communication (CMC) in a group discussion course at Marist College (New York). Highlights include advantages of CMC, including more interaction and increased learner control; efficient information access, including access to the Internet; and student attitudes toward CMC, including differences between…

Compares the performance of education undergraduates with high or low spatial-skill scores who learned how to calculate surface area using hypertext, computer-assisted instruction, conventional paper materials, or program control. Results are reported for misconceptions, correct problems, time on lesson, enjoyment rating, screens viewed, and…

Describes the design and use of SCORE (Sales and Customer Service Occupational Readiness Education), courseware developed by AT&T to provide midliterate adult customer service representatives with computer-assisted instruction. Topics addressed include job simulations; skills in reading, writing, math, problem solving, and critical thinking;…

A Foxfire teacher describes student reactions to a democratic approach implemented in an undergraduate teacher education course and an inservice teacher workshop. Goal was for participants to develop methods and activities that would involve their future K-12 students in active and democratic learning. (LP)

An elementary school teacher changed his teaching approach to one based on John Dewey's philosophy that science should be taught as a method of inquiry, not as a fixed body of knowledge. Students were encouraged to formulate scientific questions and work together in establishing experimental procedures. (LP)

Discusses conceptual difficulties in the field of geometrical optics and describes RAY, a microcomputer-based graphic interface that was designed to serve as a teaching aid and as a learning environment. The ability to combine theory and formal representations with real demonstrations and experiments is discussed. (Contains seven references.) (LRW)

Discussion of learning styles and learner control focuses on a study of college students that paired field-dependent and field-independent learning styles with different instructional control treatments. The use of interactive video lessons and a printed self-study guide is described, and treatments for the experimental and control groups are…

Examines distance education as a global movement (development, technology, telecommunications); identifies research constructs (transactional distance, interaction, learner control); social context that can help in applying research to practice; and discusses using research to inform practice, eliminating political and economic roadblocks, and…

Describes the North Star Approach to educational technology which challenges students to master the foundation skills: reading, writing, problem solving, communication, and citizenship. Outlines the six categories of computer tools (creativity/expression, drafting/building, exploration, communication, problem solving/innovation, and…

Elaborates on the nature of the new paradigm of instructional theories (May-June 1996 issue) by summarizing 21 theories that are described in "Instructional-Design Theories and Models: A New Paradigm of Instructional Theory." Divides theories into seven broad categories: understanding, problem-based learning, community of learners,…