Using a framework to review the research, this article evaluates the effectiveness of adjunct questions and objectives in a prose learning setting. The framework proved useful in identifying processes responsible for the effects of the two adjunct aids, in explaining unusual and/or discrepant results, and generating recommendations for future…

Calls for less repetition in the opening parts of business or technical reports, i.e., in cover letters, prefaces, abstracts, and introductions. Examines theoretical and empirical work on repetition in discourse and on designing effective unrepetitive openings for business and technical reports. (PD)

Theory and research suggest three ways grammar instruction might assist second-language acquisition. These include the following: as an advance organizer; as a meaning-form focus in communication activities where there are many examples of a single meaning-form relationship; and through monitoring, if learners can acquire their own input. (41…

Reports findings of a study investigating the effects of three prereading activities--advance organizers, structured overviews/graphic organizers, and multivocabulary experiences--done both orally and in writing before a text reading assignment was given. (FL)

Reviews research published from 1960 to 1981 concerning prereading strategies. Concludes that there is a dearth of conclusive research in the area and calls for renewed efforts on the part of researchers. (FL)

This paper offers a rationale for modifying textbooks for secondary students with learning disabilities who are taught in general education classes. Recent research on the uses of study guides, graphic organizers, vocabulary drills, and computer-assisted instruction is reviewed, and guidelines for selecting appropriate uses of these strategies are…

Reviews literature on instructional organizers and provides a comparative analysis of their effectiveness with computer-based instruction (CBI). Topics include a description of instructional organizers; research on advance organizers and graphic organizers; instructional organizers with CBI; and the generative learning hypothesis. (81 references)…

Discusses the use of advance organizers in elementary geography instruction. Asserts that maps and globes can be used as advance organizers to improve learning about geographic locations and regions. Provides two classroom activities with accompanying data charts to illustrate the technique. (CFR)

The current paper provides a description of instructional approaches for teaching mathematics to secondary students with learning disabilities (LD) and emotional disturbance (ED) within juvenile correctional schools. Recommendations for math instruction are based on a comprehensive review of the literature and examples are provided from an urban…

Fourty-four published research studies involving advance organizers were reviewed. Twenty-seven studies included an advance organizer vs. a control group (standard advance organizer study) and 17 studies included an advance organizer vs. a post-organizer group (modified advance organizer study). Results of the studies were compared to the…

This article applies results of a previous meta-analysis of effective instructional practices with adolescents who have learning disabilities focusing on the factor, "Organization/Explicit," which contributed significant variance to effect size. This factor included the important instructional components of advance organization and explicit…

Examines 14 studies involving the effectiveness of comprehension strategies (advance organizers, graphic organizers and mapping, structured overviews, and use of text structure) for developmental college students. Finds that many of the studies concluded that the strategies were not effective for promoting comprehension. Discusses several…

Recent studies refuting the effectiveness of advance organizers in preparing students to comprehend text material have not met the conditions necessary for advance organizers to succeed. According to the assimilation theory, which holds that people learn by chaining what is known to what is to be learned, the following conditions must be met for…

Examines the postsecondary research base for content area reading strategies. Compares findings to earlier studies of secondary schools. Finds semantic mapping and graphic organizers were more effective for secondary than postsecondary students, although most secondary students were not given instructions for the strategies used. Calls for further…

Research literature pertaining to the use of instructional organizers is reviewed, and a comparative analysis is made of their effectiveness with computer-based instruction (CBI). One of the earliest forms of instructional organizer is the advance organizer, first proposed by David Ausubel (1960, 1963) which is meant to facilitate the retention of…