The concept of learning styles is based on the theory that an individual responds to educational experiences with consistent behavior and performance patterns. The complexity of the construct, the psychometric problems related to its measurement, and the enigmatic relationship between culture and the teaching and learning process means that the…

This study examines the importance of structured reflection in service-learning courses. The study consisted of interviews with 15 faculty and 72 students from three different higher education institutions; interviews were conducted between October 1998 and March 1999. Focus group interviews with faculty gathered information about course design,…

This paper emphasizes research-based reasons for adding audio to multimedia presentations. The first section summarizes suggestions from a review of research on the effectiveness of audio media when accompanied by other forms of media; types of research studies (e.g., evaluation, intra-medium, and aptitude treatment interaction studies) are also…

Using 170 ninth-grade rural students, the study examined (1) whether modality preferences are a factor in student learning styles; (2) whether male and female students and students at different achievement levels expressed differing learning style preferences; and (3) how learning style characteristics relate to student self-concept and general…

Summarizes research regarding psychomotor skill development in technical education and offers suggestions for teaching machine use skills. Four tables display data from various researchers' studies under headings for models for classifying the psychomotor domain, knowledge of results, type of feedback, and type of video feedback. (MF)

This paper describes recent advances in split-brain research and summarizes the qualities characterizing the two cerebral hemispheres. Traditional patterns of education, it is argued, are inadequate since they concentrate almost exclusively on the left hemisphere. Teaching strategies and school experiences are suggested to accelerate right…

Reveals creative and unique ways to assess children's learning in the social studies classroom using tools rather than tests. Provides examples of acrostic poems (each line begins with a letter from a famous person's name) and bio-poems (each line answers a biographical question). (MJP)

Findings are related from a study designed to determine the effect of verbal-only, imagery-only, and integrated (verbal-to-imaginal) strategies on third graders' (N=111) levels of economic reasoning (use or nonuse of cost-benefit analysis) in their personal decision making. Implications of these findings for curriculum planning are discussed.…

Natural history facts and concepts were presented to 160 multiaged individuals through tactual and/or visual interpretive stations along a nature trail. Individuals were tested to indicate knowledge retention after the trail experience. Visual, tactual, and visual/tactual approaches proved to be equally effective treatments in most cases.…

Developed and evaluated long cane mobility computer simulation as visual rehabilitation training device and research tool in graduate students assigned to instruction (BI) (N=10) or enhanced instruction (EI) (N=9). Found higher percentage of EI students completed simulation task. Concluded that students registered positive understanding changes,…

Learning outcomes of Alberta Native and non-Native adult learners were differentially affected by relative preference for visual versus verbal learning style. Also demonstrated were the importance of individual differences and the complex interaction of learning style preference, instructional materials, learning task, and cultural background.…

Reviews demographic and economic trends promoting cultural diversity in postsecondary education. Urges educators to support cultural diversity and respect cultural differences, rather than forcing students to reject their culture of origin and adopt the dominant culture. Discusses instructional implications of ethnic/racial differences,…

Argues that, to maximize a child's educational experience in history/social science, it is imperative that teachers utilize a whole-brain teaching approach by using a variety of experiences that stimulate both sides of the brain. Discusses the three general modes in which students appear to learn: oral, visual, and kinesthetic. Suggests specific…

Reviews recent research reports, policy statements, and federal legislation that recognize the arts as a fundamental subject. Discusses different ways of knowing, how the arts enhance learning in other areas, national standards for arts education, outcomes of arts education, and challenges to expanding arts education. Sidebars summarize a national…

Reviews the origins of the concept of cognitive style. Explores the fundamental applications of that style and relevant methods of assessment. Examines the distinction between style, which is likely to be relatively fixed, and strategies which are capable of being learned and developed. Discusses the relationship of style to learning preferences…