Needed Research in Principles of Learning (As Applied to Indian Education). A Position Paper.

This paper called attention to needed research in the application of principles of learning to American Indian education. The matter of suitable rewards (contingency management) was examined, and 5 areas of needed research were identified. Concept formation was felt to be the heart of language learning, and 3 kinds of research problems in terms of concept formation were examined. The existence of communication problems between Indian pupils and their parents was faced; in keeping with this, it was noted that certain school practices often exacerbate this problem and it was urged that comprehensive analysis be made of the goals for education held by selected members of the educational community (parents, tribal officers, educators, pupils)--thus leading to construction of curriculum designs and materials of high cultural relevance. Finally, in the area of teacher reeducation, it was recommended that studies be undertaken which combine teacher involvement and contingency management. (LS)