Whereas the writing process is recursive, Instructional Theory into Practice (ITIP) is a linear, sequential series of instructional decisions. By understanding the relationship between these two models, staff development and curriculum specialists can assist teachers by coordinating support group sessions and followup training using a common…

Examines three experimental studies deriving from contrastive analysis predictions and error analysis insights into deviances from expected target language forms. Each of these studies predate the Interlanguage hypothesis. (CB)

Describes the use of hypertext to enhance the study process by linking related information together. Types of links used in hypertext documents are explained, exploratory hypertext systems are discussed, principles of effective studying are reviewed, and three specific hypertext systems are described as examples of how to enhance student learning.…

Discusses basic characteristics of distance education and suggests areas for further development. Topics discussed include distance education as a substitute for conventional education versus a mode of education in its own right; non-contiguous communications; learning content; target groups; course development; and the need to support student…

Described is the generative learning strategy, an approach which encourages pupils to discuss their out-of-school ideas about plant breathing, drinking, wood production, soil, minerals, and leaves, and assist them in linking appropriate ideas together to form an explanation of the origin of plant materials. (CW)

Replicates and expands upon an earlier study conducted by Robert Szafran in which a pretest was used to explore the effects of prior knowledge upon grades. Confirms that pretest scores and grade point average predict posttest scores. Presents a number of implications for teaching. (KO)

Suggests possible uses historians can make of film materials drawing on the Cooper Library (University of South Carolina) collection. Stresses the need for using outtakes to show an accurate sense of unedited history. Illustrates the value of film in understanding European fascism, and urges coordinating textbooks and film for an effective…

Results of an experimental study of 46 field-independent and 39 field-dependent undergraduates indicate that immediate testing after a lecture resulted in no performance differences on a delayed test. However, without immediate testing, field-independent students performed better. All students reviewed notes before delayed testing. (IAH)

Examines research on the principal ways people learn the location of places. Considers the traditional methods of teaching place location geography. Proposes alternative teaching methods which reflect the research findings. States that these alternative methods utilize mental and physical involvement in the process, purposeful exploration,…

The use of reconstructive elaborations for teaching content to secondary students with learning disabilities is described. The technique provides a framework for adapting all content-area information into more familiar, more concrete interactive elaborations. Its use with United States history in a recent study illustrates the strategy.…

Describes a methodology for creating and using instructional activities enhanced by the use of problem-specific scenarios that include electronic templates for use in both large group and individual modes. Examples of templates used for instruction in planning, decision making, statistical concepts, and software evaluation are presented. (13…

Discusses learner autonomy in traditional adult education and in adult distance education. Learning strategies are described, the teacher's role in each educational setting is examined, and examples of autonomy learning at a distance are given, one at the University of Surrey and one at the Open University in Great Britain. (32 references) (LRW)

Eight behavior disordered students (ages 7-11) in a self-contained class were given two units of instruction in science concepts in a crossover design, with each student receiving both mnemonic and traditional instruction. Student learning was significantly improved under mnemonic instruction, and high levels of concept retention were…

Presents daily activities that facilitate complete sentence response, promote oral production, and aid the learning of vocabulary in foreign-language classes. Because speech is the primary form of communication in the foreign-language classroom, it is important to stimulate students to converse as soon as possible. (Author/CK)

Examines the place of mental models in the process of knowledge construction, particularly by the relationship between mental models and computer models in that process. Analyzes and discusses children's use of spreadsheets to build their own computer models. Suggests that the process of building models on a computer may provide direct support to…