Describes information-processing research, showing how computer models are used to explain thinking and how information processing approaches can be used systematically. Clarifies why students find factor-label method so difficult to master and discusses guidelines and suggestions for using information-processing ideas. (JM)

In a research study, fourth-grade, fifth-grade, and college females performed the Bachman Free-Standing Ladder-Balance task after watching four, eight, and twelve, or no videotaped demonstrations of the task. The videotape modeling seemed to affect form (or strategy) of their performances more than their final scores. (PP)

The impact of individual or cooperative goal structures on the achievement, interpersonal behavior, and attitudes of learning disabled (LD) and non-LD students (grades seven and eight) was studied. Cooperative goals, especially following training in cooperative behavior, may facilitate achievement and interpersonal relations of LD and non-LD…

The relationship of age and developmental differences to modeling and motor skill development were examined. Comparisons of the observational learning patterns of four- and five-year-old children and of seven- and eight-year-olds suggest that their physical and cognitive capacities call for different instructional strategies. (Author/PP)

In a study of school-based support services given to beginning teachers, three major categories of support were explored: (1) formal support, including school, school district, and teacher center related activities; (2) informal support, including professional books and articles; and (3) job-embedded support, entailing workload modifications and…

Determined the effectiveness of the use of the language laboratory to teach counseling skills. A 52-minute self-instructional training tape program was developed in which a reflection of feeling was modeled. Results showed that the self-instructional tape program is an effective procedure for teaching counseling skills. (Author/RC)

Role modeling as a career awareness tool is an opportunity to include parents in a career education program. It provides meaningful ways to infuse communication skills into the curriculum and to expand career awareness of students. A school activity for developing career awareness in an elementary classroom is described. (Author/CC)

Physical education teachers and coaches are encouraged to increase their role-modeling influence by developing common interests with students, giving more attention to individual students, becoming more skillful and knowledgeable in their specialty, and reinforcing students who follow their example. (JMF)

Compared effectiveness of modeling from a clinician to that of written instructions to train parents to use a motor stimulation program with their infants with Down syndrome. Obtained motor development quotients prior to the program and at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Found that infants of parents trained by modeling obtained higher motor…

Describes how the five programs in this special section are scaffolding teachers' change efforts through the use of three approaches: collaboration, modeling, and reflection. Discusses similarities and differences among the five projects, including program effectiveness, and offers suggestions for future research. (Author/LRW)

Thirty-eight people with visual impairments learned a 483-meter novel route through a university campus in four groups: verbalization, modeling, pointing, and control. The performance of all four groups improved with greater experience of the route, but the modeling group improved more than the control group. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

Implemented a situated learning model of coteaching in the weekly field component of a secondary science methods course. Students cotaught by observing and assisting their teachers for one period, then taught the same lesson, supported by their teachers, the following period. This resulted in comfort in learning to teach, increased confidence in…

This article presents an overview of research on the importance of modeling effective instruction in teacher education programs, argues for a philosophy of student-centered instruction, and presents strategies for incorporating a more student-centered orientation in the methods instruction of preservice secondary teachers. (IAH)

According to SCORE, actively engaged students are energized by four goals (success, curiosity, originality, and relationship) that satisfy certain human needs. Educators can motivate students to produce high-quality work by clearly articulating success criteria, providing constructive feedback, modeling skills, and portraying success as an…

Describes a computer program for arithmetic in which the use of the operationalized cognitive apprenticeship methods was studied together with effects of modelling and coaching on student performance. Results showed that adult basic education students make little use of optional materials in a computer program. (Author/JKP)