An Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) may be evaluated either during the interview procedure (direct-method) or from a tape-made oral interaction (semi-direct method). Such variety in methods of assessment can influence test takers' scores extensively. However, it is not conclusive whether such differences are due to test format or something else.…

The number of postsecondary education (PSE) programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) has been steadily growing over the last few decades. There has been little public information regarding these programs and schools. Consequently, students, families, and researchers alike lack details about the various…

The Foundation Degree (FD) is a work-related, intermediate-level higher education qualification. Issues around its recognition can affect success in attracting students where the literature suggests that uptake should be adequate. This research represented a case study which explored for the first time, whether the above applied to the FD for…

Investigates the barriers to quality education for lesbian and gay youths. Lesbian (and gay) students provide insights into their experiences in the school system which highlight the organizational factors that prevented them from receiving an education that would realize their full potential. (GR)

This introductory essay describes an analytical framework that locates students, staff, and institutions within both local and extra-local patterns of stratification and clarifies our theoretical understanding of ethnographic data concerning student perceptions and practices in higher education. The essay introduces four articles based on…

Dr. Jacqueline Fleming, author of "Blacks in College," is interviewed on the process of her cross-sectional research and reaction to her study. Fleming observes that there are pervasive problems for Black college students in White institutions and for Black colleges, and that major integration and retention issues remain unresolved. (AF)

Describes the Learning Behavior Dilemma, a developmental admissions model which evaluates students' level of intellectual development and their readiness for undertaking educational challenges. Discusses the importance of understanding the optimal match between students and their educational environment. (JAC)

Describes use of focus group interviews in evaluating college career planning and placement services. Discusses components (moderator, group participants, site and equipment, report) of focus group interview and then provides an actual application of the focus group interview in a career center setting. (ABL)

A two-stage model is used in career planning classes and workshops to teach students to identify and expand their existing networks and to use networks for information interviews. The first stage describes networking and the second describes information interviewing. It provides a conceptual as well as a pragmatic approach to networking and…

Discusses problems related to staff selection in student affairs, including (1) lack of clarity about hiring authority; (2) inappropriate requirements; (3) lack of affirmative action; (4) impersonal procedures; (5) inadequate reference checks; (6) lack of clear evaluation criteria; (7) inadequate interview preparation; and (8) failure to provide…

This interview with junior high school-level industrial arts teacher, Dr. Les Litherland, gives the reader insights into the personal history and attitudes which motivate an innovative teacher. Examples of his teaching methods and work experiences are included. (AM)

This book presents findings from taped interviews of successful inner-city high school students concerning what their lives were like and what accounted for their success in school. Information is also presented from two additional studies involving their parents and teachers. Chapter 1 explores what the students perceive to be the relationship…

Interview with Education Secretary Lauro Cavazos. Responds to his critics who claim that he has not accomplished what he set out to do and expands on some of his administration's proposals and stances. (JS)

Used observation and interviewing techniques adapted from ethnography in lifespan human development courses. Technique assisted students in becoming aware of previously "invisible" everyday activities and in assessing their own values. Students began to develop vital observation and interviewing skills. Technique facilitated integration of…

This report presents results from questionnaires administered to a range of individuals (N=41) involved in the organization and management of college provision for secondary pupils as well as questionnaires administered to S3 and S6 secondary students (N=863) within Scotland's Lothian Region concerning the effectiveness of college provision,…