In this thesis, Stroop task performance was investigated (using behavioural, electrophysiological and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) techniques) in late and proficient adult bilinguals currently living in the second language (L2) environment. Monolingual participants, matched for age and handedness, were recruited as controls. The Stroop colour-word task was considered an appropriate tool to test the general hypothesis that bilingualism might influence executive or cognitive control processes. In Study One, a dual-task paradigm was used for assessing the lateralisation of language functions (given the linguistic nature of the Stroop paradigm used here) in the bilinguals (Macedonian-English/M-E). Bilinguals showed a more bilateral hemispheric involvement, for both languages, compared to monolinguals. These findings also provided supporting evidence for the hypothesis of greater right-hemispheric involvement for language in bilinguals. In Study Two, two behavioural Stroop task paradigms (manual and verbal) were used in order to assess the magnitude of the Stroop effect between the groups. Bilinguals (M-E, German-English/G-E) showed a trend of smaller interference scores across both languages compared to monolinguals. In Study Three, manual Stroop task performance with concurrent electroencephalograph (EEG) recording revealed that bilinguals had temporal shifts in the N400 component (of about 30-40 ms) for the interference comparison for both languages compared to monolinguals. Also, relative to monolinguals, M-E bilinguals (for both L1 and L2) and G-E bilinguals (for L2) had fewer electrodes over frontal and central sites with a significant amplitude difference in the interference comparison (i.e., a reduced interference effect). In Study Four, the neural substrates engaged during Stroop task performance were investigated using fMRI. In general, monolinguals showed greater activation in regions such as the prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate (regions associated with good executive control). This suggested that relative to bilinguals, monolinguals require more neural resources to accomplish conflict resolution. Taken together, Stroop task performance in late and proficient bilinguals currently living in the L2 environment differed from that of monolinguals across all methods of investigation. It appears that cognitive processing changes at the executive level can be observed as a result of bilingualism. The results also provide some evidence for changes in L1 processing following late L2 acquisition, as similar results across both languages and tasks were observed for the M-E bilinguals. It is also possible that slight modifications to cerebral laterality as a result of the late learning of (and continuous exposure to) a second language could contribute to these differences in executive functioning. The language environment might therefore be a major factor in the lateralisation of language processing and executive functioning in bilinguals. These conclusions, though tentative and require further investigation, have important implications for language and executive processing in general and for theories regarding cognitive flexibility in bilinguals. / Auckland University Doctoral Scholarship

Thesis (M.Sc. (Hons.)) -- University of Western Sydney, 2000. / "A thesis for the degree of Master in Applied Science" Bibliography : leaves 209-219.

This descriptive study utilizes methods and materials not found in traditional high school computer applications classes. Four classes were involved in this preliminary descriptive study. Seventy students in periods four, six, and seven were tested to determine their learning style preference. The emphasis for style was based on one of three perceptual responses: auditory, visual, and emotive. Third period received the teacher's traditional instruction for computer applications. Fourth period received no special treatment other than being tested for and made aware of learning styles. Students tested in the sixth and seventh periods were either individually assigned or allowed to choose a treatment that differed from the normal classroom instruction. Data included student assignments, teacher made tests, and teacher observations. The results for the treated classes showed greater consistency in assignments completed and higher test scores for treated students.

The purpose of this study is to show that instructional methods designed for right-brained students will make a significant difference in the reading achievement scores of the students when compared with the scores of right-brained sixth grade students not receiving these instructional methods.The subjects were sixth grade students who use the right hemisphere of the brain to a greater degree than the left hemisphere. The subjects' cerebral preference was determined by a test known as the Cerebral Preference Index (CPI). Ten students each were chosen from two sixth grade classes. The study consisted of a Control Group and Experimental Group. During the study the Control Group received eight weeks of the regular school's program while the Experimental Group received eight weeks of instructional strategies that take hemispheric specialization into consideration. The results indicated that there was no significant difference in the reading achievement scores of those students who received the instructional methods designed for right brained students. The analysis of data did suggest that those scoring high on the pre-test scored high on the post test. The results indicated the same outcome for low scorers.

Certain literary works in the secondary English curriculum no doubt adapt themselves more readily than others to teaching methods other than the traditional, verbal style of teaching. This study has sought to develop a literature curriculum incorporating the study of Julius Caesar for secondary English students which focuses on students' needs and interests, as described by their individual learning styles. Results of this study indicated that teachers of English will need to continue to modify the literature curriculum in order to address the learning styles of their students.

No description available.

The purpose of the project was to develop a web-based instructional design tool. The tool provides guidelines, templates, and checklists to simplify the overall process, and give the designer a path to follow to help manage the instructional design project. It is based on the generalized model of Instructional Systems Design (ISD), but is applicable to the design of instructional materials for delivery by an instructor, by Computer-based Training (CBT), or a combination of instructor-led and technology-based delivery.

This project was designed to integrate brain based learningprinciples and strategies into an existing curriculum being used in a science classroom for deaf students.

The primary goal of this project is to provide a unit of instruction that addresses the critical English skills of oracy, writing, and intercultural proficiency. The curriculum features the social-construction-of-knowledge approach and the socioliterate approach. In addition, it includes an emphasis on Mexican-American values, learning styles, and intercultural communication, showing how they are interrelated and how they affect oral and written language proficiency and intercultural communication competence.