Challenges the assumptions concerning the necessity of feedback in children's cognitive development. Suggests that during a certain and limited phase, cognitive development may occur due to cognitive restructuring. Discusses the implications of this for educational programs, especially computer assisted learning. (MJP)

Summarizes the results of a questionnaire given to Finnish high school students and their teachers. They were asked values-oriented questions and then asked how they thought an ideal pupil would answer the same. Reveals distinct differences between teachers' and students' concept of an ideal pupil. (MJP)

Examines children's perception of themselves and their social world when experiencing academic failure. Studies showed that after academic failure various groups demonstrated higher levels of disruptive and hyperactive behaviors, reported more loneliness, less coherence, and lower peer acceptance than others. Discusses the possible impact on…

Surveys 78 British secondary school students and correlates their responses regarding preferences in learning styles to information previously determined by the computer-presented Cognitive Styles Analysis. Examines the students' preferences for group, pair, or individual work, as well as, open and closed tasks. (MJP)

Reports on two studies in which high school students were forced to process a text containing a geographical map. Shows that, in both studies, the effectiveness of directed, forced processing of texts and maps depends upon the level of processing encouraged and the ability of the students concerned. (CMK)

Investigates expository text macroprocessing and its relationship to working memory and school achievement by using a hierarchy-rating test. Indicates that the ability to identify expository text topics and main points are connected to Working Memory (WM). Finds that hierarchy-rating and multiple-choice task are strongly related to school…

Explores a study investigating the effect of individual cognitive styles on learning through computer-based instruction. Identifies a significant difference between the cognitive styles on test scores, in particular the Wholist/Verbaliser group, and indicates a potential for cognitive styles to influence learning outcomes measured by performance…

Analyzes three strands of research concerning the relationship between pupil cognitive style and three factors: pupil performance in General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) technology examination project work, the teaching strategy, and teacher and pupil motivation. Reveals that all three of these factors are affected by the student's…

Examines the relationships among goal orientations, the use of cognitive strategies, and academic achievement for 234 undergraduate students at the United Arab Emirates University. Finds that performance-goal orientation had a negative effect on grade-point average (GPA), whereas learning-goal orientation had a positive effect mediated by…

Discusses a two-part study in which first-year college students in a developmental-psychology course filled out two questionnaires (some also were interviewed) to investigate the theory of achievement goals. States the data showed students were motivated to achieve when lectures and assignments encouraged mastery orientation. (CMK)

Examines one aspect of the same-sex parent-child hypothesis within the context of mother's versus father's custody. Stresses that the gender of the custodial parent matters very little for the social functioning of the children. Finds the social adjustment of adolescents of divorced parents is somewhat poorer than adolescents from intact families.…

Reports on a study designed to resolve debates regarding whether phonemic awareness is acquired naturally as part of phonological awareness, or whether it is an artifact of reading tuition. Describes a study of preliterate children, presents results of multiyear observations of students' literacy, and discusses implications for the developmental…

Argues that cross-cultural studies need to recognize that motivation is a multifaceted concept. Reports on a small-scale comparison of United Kingdom and Chinese school students across measures of attributions for success and failure, goal orientations, and self-esteem. Discusses results in terms of motivation advantages, foci of student…

Hypothesizes that student perceptions of workload are a function of class contact hours, independent study hours, English language ability, GPA, and students' propensity to employ meaning or reproducing approaches to learning. Finds a good fit between models of variable relationships and the data. Suggests guidelines for curriculum designers. (DSK)

Devises a nine-point scale for scoring drawings of a cube. Provides detailed criteria and examples for each category. Shows that interrater reliability of the scale is high, and scores trace a linear trend through a sample age-range. Suggests that the scale is suitable for use as a diagnostic or assessment tool. (DSK)