Evaluates the effect of question type (rote, conceptual) and adjunct question response mode (multiple choice, short answer) on rote and conceptual learning outcomes of 98 undergraduate high and low ability readers. Results indicate rote adjunct questions are more helpful to readers and high reading ability students demonstrate better test…

The kind of semantic information that facilitates relearning was investigated. The paradigm consisted of three stages: (1) learn a list of number-word pairs; (2) return for a retention test; and (3) relearn a new list of pairs that have various kinds of semantic relatedness to the originally learned pairs. (Author/CTM)

Describes the use of past educational experiences and resulting attitudes to illustrate effective teaching methods to students in social studies methods courses. Positive memories center around a hands-on approach, whereas negative memories focused on memorization and rote learning. (LS)

Discusses what Western nations could learn from Japan's educational system. Negative features include (1) rote learning; (2) standardization of materials taught; (3) government control of textbooks; and (4) an examination system that does not promote individualism. Positive features include the high value placed on education and the work ethic.…

A study sought to ascertain the "official" conception of numeracy in Scotland as published in Her Majesty's Inspectorate (HMI) audit reports. 300 HMI reports on 300 primary schools were examined for references to computational proficiency and understanding of number. Segments signifying proficiency were significantly more numerous than…

Teachers and students use multimedia software to create interactive presentations and content projects. Popular multimedia programs include: Microsoft's PowerPoint[R], Knowledge Adventure's HyperStudio[R], and Macromedia's Director MX 2004[R]. Creating multimedia projects engage students in active learning and thinking as they complete projects…

The current preoccupation in the United States with test-based accountability is founded on a set of faulty assumptions--about education practices elsewhere in the world, about international test score comparisons, and about the extent to which test scores are valid indicators of the quality of education or the state of the economy. For example,…

Describes the results of a survey of highly successful junior high and middle school students, which asked open-ended questions about their perceptions of spelling. Indicates that visualizing is the most common strategy for learning new words, followed by dictionary use and repeating words over and over. (SKC)

The relationships of spelling achievement to rote learning, rule learning, and self-evaluated spelling ability were investigated. A questionnaire, a structure task which produced a measure of rote learning and rule learning, and the Wide Range Achievement Test (Spelling) were administered to 50 college students. (Author/PN)

A survey indicated that British teachers still use vocabulary learning in second language instruction. These two studies suggested that 11-year-olds are quite capable of using the keyword method, modified for group presentation, to learn English meanings of French words and vice versa, for both immediate and delayed tests. (Author/SJL)

A Copy/Cover/Compare method of teaching multiplication facts to a sixth grade student with learning disabilities was evaluated. Results indicated that the Copy/Cover/Compare method was effective in increasing percent correct for the targeted multiplication facts. Practical implications of employing this drill and practice procedure in the…

Emerging research evidence of an approach to learning that combines memorization and comprehension, particularly from Asia, is examined and possible explanations for it are discussed. It is proposed that this approach may explain the apparent paradox of high achievement is Asian cultures, where rote learning in stressed. (Author/MSE)

The teacher as a "sage on the stage" is being eclipsed by the learning facilitator, or "guide on the side." While there is room for constructivist methodologies, the rage against expertise and repetitive or rote learning practices is misguided. Students deserve a chance to learn from real experts. (MLH)

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between approaches to learning and locus of control of students from the USA, Japan, and Taiwan. The results show that students from the USA utilized more rote memory learning compared to students from Japan and Taiwan, while students from Japan were more likely to be "Achieving"…

The federal journey into public education has followed a long and winding road. Most educators know that the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act is simply the latest version of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), which dates all the way back to 1965. In the years since its initial passage, the ESEA road has taken a number of…