Sixth graders from a semirural midwestern community were randomly assigned to one of four different learning strategies--imagery, overt repetition, covert repetition, and control. Results showed that imagery instructions facilitated learning performance; overt repetition interfered with performance; and covert repetition was similar to the control…

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…

This report describes an attempt to apply a critical empirical test to some predictions from Ausubel's theory concerning the subsuming role of advance organizers. Alternative explanations are proposed and subsequent predictions tested. (BT)

Concludes that providing the reader with prior structure on which to map incoming material leads to increased comprehension of a related reading. (FL)

The fact that the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is susceptible to coaching does not mean it is a poor test. The abilities measured by it are acquired, apart from test-wiseness. Even though some uses of the scores in admissions may be discriminatory, the test itself is fair, uniform, and judiciously administered. (MSE)

Two experiments examined the effects of embedded and intact (outline) headings on the processing of complex text material by college students. Results indicated that embedded headings reliably improved delayed test performance. It was further found that instructions in the use of headings as processing aids facilitated test performance. (Author/PN)

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)

Advance organizer effectiveness for disadvantaged seventh graders was investigated. The influence of the organizer was assessed under two testing formats: recall and recognition. The organizer was shown to be effective, regardless of the testing conditions. (Author/GK)

Investigates the use of advance organizers in a modified form by involving students in the preparation of organizers to enhance meaningful learning from textual material with Nigerian secondary school students (N=180). Results indicate the proficiency in English as a second language was an important factor in determining effectiveness of student…

Reports results of two experiments to test recognition decisions of increasing difficulty among preschool children. Increasing levels of difficulty were perceptual identity, common object-class, and either taxonomic category or complementary pair formation. (Author/DB)

Effects of Advance Organizer (AO) lessons presenting high-order math concepts relating to set building, matching and between sets, and counting objects within sets were evaluated for rural preschoolers in comparison to traditional instruction. A pre-test/post-test assessment indicated a significant sequential transfer effect from the AO lessons.…

Explores two approaches to discourse structure and comprehension. Illustrates that prior knowledge is ued in conjunction with cues to construct the macrostructure of the story. Provides evidence that text comprehension is based on the presentation of the propositions of the story. (PMJ)

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 a study that compared the effects of two teacher-directed prereading instructional procedures (directed reading activity versus story grammar/structured overview story mapping) on elementary students' literal and inferential reading comprehension. Story mapping produced better comprehension among third graders but no differences in…

Two studies evaluated the effectiveness of guided notes with five secondary students with mild disabilities and three postsecondary students with learning disabilities. In both studies, use of guided notes resulted in significantly improved academic performance. (Author/DB)