The current study investigated how perceived popularity and collaboration quality were associated with knowledge gain of adolescents during a collaborative learning task. Participants included 264 children ages 10-12 years (52.3% boys), who collaborated 3 times in same-sex dyads on a computer assignment. Results indicated that the knowledge of the…

In a large-scale field experiment aimed at improving spelling instruction in Dutch schools, the effectiveness of a newly developed algorithmic teaching method was compared with the conventionally and commonly used analogy approach. The analogy group showed comparatively little progress in learning results. (Seventy-five test items are appended).…

Mobilizing relevant preexisting knowledge significantly facilitated retention of information inconsistent with prior knowledge but did not affect retention of congruous information. A topically organized passage was not better remembered than a topically disorganized one. (Author/PN)

Students' perceptions of constraints on asking questions during mathematics classes were explored with 20 third and 26 fifth graders in Dutch classrooms. Conditions examined included help by teachers or peers and instructional or seatwork situations. No sex differences or grade differences were found. (TJH)