Examines the extent to which flow experiences account for differences in the amount of time young musicians spend practicing and their levels of performance achievement. Suggests that the moderate achievers' musical experiences at the specialist music school may not be conducive to sustaining long-term interest and progress in music. (CMK)

Argues the limits of reductionism vis-a-vis computational-algorithmic approaches to music education and computers. Presents four paradoxes to support the notion of the mind as more complex than a cognitive device that could be simulated by computers. Warns about the limits of computational devices and false notions of an all-encompassing…

Discusses four issues related to music: (1) music as a form of intelligence and the misconceptions that have arisen; (2) music as a discipline focusing on mastering the discipline of music and obstacles to musicality; (3) a rationale for music education; and (4) the future of music education. (CMK)

Examines Marilyn Zimmerman's pioneering work on the applications of Piagetian theory to the study of children's musical development. Discusses "music conservation" and addresses the Piagetian model regarding (1) the implications of the sociocultural perspective and (2) the study of musical creativity. Develops the concept of improvisational…

Presents research on the effects of music instruction on spatial-temporal reasoning in children. Summarizes past studies that tested whether music training transfers to spatial-temporal task performance. A work-in-progress focuses on whether music training can improve economically-disadvantaged preschoolers' abstract reasoning and why…

Discusses children's musical intuitions and two methods of meaning construction, pathmaking and mapmaking. Traces the work of one child who builds the tune Hot Cross Buns with Montessori bells and explains in detail the development. Considers educational implications. (CMK)

Contains abstracts of the papers that were presented at the Cognitive Processes of Children Engaged in Musical Activity Conference (Champaign-Urbana, IL, June 3-5, 1999). Covers topics such as children's melodic improvisations, toddlers' kinesthetic reactions to music, mother-infant play, a theory of multiple musical intelligences, and reflective…

Tests the hypothesis that, because it uses tri-dimensional sensory pathways which show a higher rate of neural activity than uni- or bi-dimensionals, lab-activity-based instruction is a more effective teaching strategy for learning science than verbal-based instruction. Applies manipulative teaching strategies that use visual, somatosensory, and…

Investigates Korean and U.S. college students' scientific reasoning skills involving hypothesis-testing skills and tests the hypothesis that hypothesis-testing skills are more advanced than other scientific reasoning skills. The study involves (n=774) Korean and (n=568) U.S. students and uses the Test of Scientific Reasoning (TSR). (Contains 24…

Investigates the effects of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) using molecular-level animation and worksheets upon student achievement, conceptual understanding, and learning motivation. Administers the Patterns of Adaptive Learning Survey (PALS) as a covariate in the study. (Contains 19 references.) (Author/YDS)

In response to new provisions in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), this issue describes the promising special education research that is helping all students participate successfully in large-scale testing programs. The first article, "State-Wide Assessment Programs," discusses the new provisions in IDEA that require states…

This newsletter describes promising research in applying technology in the curriculum to improve learning opportunities for students with disabilities. Topics addressed include: (1) promoting access to early childhood curriculum; (2) considering assistive technology in the IEP; (3) using a web-based curriculum for elementary students with mild…

Research on education-to-work transitions perpetuates a predictable, linear pathways model that is no longer appropriate. Alternative approaches include vocational focus, occupational focus, contextual focus, altered patterns, and mixed patterns. Using a different framework necessitates changes in data gathering and analysis. (SK)

In Britain, the notion of the Learning Society is advocated as an investment in economic development and a way to improve access to education. Study of adult-education participation in South Wales over 50 years suggests that the Learning Society is a rhetorical device that masks the lack of real progress toward widespread inclusion and access to…

In Northern Ireland, 127 adults, largely unemployed and with negative past schooling experiences, participated in a personal and social development program. A six-month follow-up found the learner-centered methodology effective in enhancing self-esteem, motivation, social skills, community involvement, and participation in further education and…