A top-level structure learning strategy is described in this paper. Topics covered in the paper are (1) strategic use of knowledge about top-level structure, including how the strategy works, the spontaneous use of the strategy, and the acquired use of the strategy; (2) fundamental steps in programs of instruction involving the top-level structure…

Examines the effects of mastery criteria on the performance and attitudes of undergraduate students who were divided into three treatment groups with mastery criteria set at 70 percent, 80 percent, and 90 percent respectively. Their performance and attitudes were also compared when mastery criteria were increased, decreased, or kept constant…

Discusses a preliminary and sketchy hypothesis of second language comprehension based on empirical investigations into strategies and processes specific to second language comprehension. (Author/CB)

Indicates that only 21% of respondents (secondary school math teachers) used computer-assisted instruction for tutorial work, physical models to interpret abstract concepts, or real-life application of the arithmetic or algebraic manipulation. Recommends that creative teaching methods be applied to problem solving. (NKA)

This article reports on the results of a descriptive study of wait-time in first-year high school foreign language classes. Over 7500 classroom events were recorded and coded in order to measure and find the variance in time of 3270 instances of post-solicitation and post-response wait-time. Results are discussed. (Author/DF)

Successful pronunciation of English as a second language can be influenced by the instructor's use of self-correcting and self-monitoring techniques which involve student motivation, adequate explanations, practice, and feedback. (CB)

Procedures for actually teaching effective listening in a second language (which is frequently tested rather than taught) include: preparing learners to listen; providing support during listening; assigning appropriate tasks; providing positive feedback; and revising teaching notes. (Author/CB)

Analysis of form-oriented and content-oriented lexical errors made by advanced German learners of English covers: theoretical aspects of form-orientation; a taxonomy of form-oriented approximations; content-oriented approximations; traditional concepts (of semantic organization); empirical evidence; and strategies for second language learning. (CB)

Presents data indicating that learning can be enhanced when information is presented that illustrates how science information can be used to solve problems. The experiments showed positive results through use of video-based macro-contexts. (ML)

Explains the three major types of case studies and reviews their advantages and disadvantages as instructional tools. Presents two examples which were employed in the area of technology at the Open University of the United Kingdom. (ML)

Discusses the differences between problems and exercises in chemistry, and some of the difficulties that arise when the same methods are used to solve both. Proposes that algorithms are excellent models for solving exercises. Argues that algorithms not be used for solving problems. (TW)

Discusses the difference between a generic chemistry problem (one which can be solved using an algorithm) and a harder chemistry problem (one for which there is no algorithm). Encourages teachers to help students recognize these categories of problems so they will be better able to find solutions. (TW)

Discusses the differences between problems and exercises, the levels of thinking required to solve them, and the roles that algorithms can play in helping chemistry students perform these tasks. Proposes that students be taught the logic of algorithms, their characteristics, and how to invent their own algorithms. (TW)

Twenty-six deaf adolescents received instruction in a structured program of cognitive education called "Instrumental Enrichment." The program addresses, among other processes, comparison, classification, logical progression, spatial orientation, analysis and synthesis, and syllogistic thinking. Following training, the subjects showed…

Attempts to improve speech production and self-monitoring skills by 10 hearing-impaired subjects (ages 17-24) using visual feedback from the Speech Spectrographic Display and feedback from a speech-language pathologist were compared. Speech production improved significantly under both conditions but self-monitoring skills did not. No significant…