In experiments on individual differences in learning, knowledge prerequisites and learning strategies have been shown to be important factors. The author questions whether learning optimization should rely on direct measures from outside the learner or should elucidate and strengthen the individual's capacity for learning decisions. He proposes to…

The LARC (Listening and Reading Comprehension) Program, an experiential based story grammar approach to listening and reading comprehension is described, and a pilot study of its effectiveness with communication handicapped children is reviewed. The LARC framework translates children's own recent experiences into sequenced story episodes which are…

THIS RESEARCH EXAMINED THE WAYS SUBJECTS USE SUCH A STRUCTURAL DEVICE AS GRAMMAR IN THEIR ATTEMPTS TO RECALL OR PRODUCE BEHAVIOR SEQUENCES IN LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION. RESEARCH TECHNIQUES TO STUDY THE BEHAVIORAL CORRELATES OF THE UTILIZATION OF RULES IN THE GENERATION OF LANGUAGE BEHAVIOR WERE DEVELOPED. THESE TECHNIQUES WERE THEN USED TO STUDY THE…

In the preparation of 12-inch disc teaching machine materials for elementary college courses, a preliminary analysis of subject matter and required skills precedes sequential framing. The programer must assess the beginning level of student competence and frame questions to supply new material until the proper response stands alone. Statements for…

The first step in learning to read is to recognize the visual language code as equivalent to the auditory code. The next step is the translation between auditory and visual information as well as between temporal and spatial organizations. The factors contributing to such translations are divided into six subprocesses: auditory sequence…

Compared were the characteristics of 60 learning disabled (LD) and 60 normal children (all between 8- and 11-years-old) participating in the Georgia Reading Research Program. The target group consisted of LD children who showed deficits in the psychological process of ordering/sequencing; while the LD reference group were average or above average…

Although previous research has indicated no significant relationship between sequencing of programed instructional materials and terminal achievement, it is felt that certain conditions might produce such a relationship. In order to test this idea, a hierarchy of word meanings was constructed, in which each definition was dependent on the previous…

A Piagetan task (transfer task) and a complex science task (final task) were used to compare the maturational view of Piaget with that of cumulative learning with respect to solving a science problem. A learning hierarchy of subordinate capabilities was constructed for the complex science task. Three phases of the experiment were: (1) pretest on…

The instructional design presented in this article discusses a procedure for arranging and sequencing examples and nonexamples for concept teaching in the classroom. Concepts are divided into two types: definition and observation. A definition concept is one in which the critical attributes are determined by the definition, e.g., war. Observation…

The effects of 2 different types of positive and negative instances in learning "non-dimensioned" concepts were investigated. "Non-dimensioned" concepts are defined only by the presence or absence of distinct attributes. One-hundred-seventy-one 8th graders were given series of all positive or alternating positive and negative instances. Series of…

Several ways of structuring the early trials of a complex concept formation task were compared. Training trials were divided into two segments: (1) an asynchronous segment with one relevant and one irrelevant cue held constant while one relevant and one irrelevant cue varied and (2) a synchronous segment with all cues free to vary. The…

Describes an approach to teaching civilization that organizes course content so that students respond to it from their own personal experience. The approach also closely links the learning of cultural information to the learning of linguistic information. (MSE)

The authors discuss the results of their study into the behavior, values, and attitudes of students and teachers. They found that each person has a particular approach to learning or teaching that is most comfortable for them. Four learning/teaching channels are detailed: concrete sequential, abstract sequential, abstract random, and concrete…

Woodworking experiences based on a task analysis approach can be motivating instructional experiences for preschool handicapped children. The article presents sequentially ordered hammering and sawing skills adaptations for specific disability groups. (CL)