Describes a study that examined three areas of student assessment in a college algebra classroom (i.e., oral interactions, observations, and problem-solving investigations) before and after the use of graphing calculators in class activities. Reports that the use of the calculators enhanced the teacher's assessment practices in all three areas.…

This study compared the curriculum, instructional strategies, and organizational formats used by 6 elementary mathematics teachers with multigrade classes and those used by 18 who used either whole-class teaching or ability grouping. Analysis of videotaped lessons found significant differences between groups, suggesting that multigrade classes…

Presents a study in which fourth-year Australian medical students were assigned to either a problem-based learning or case-based learning tutorial group that focused on eating disorders. Reports that there was not a significant difference between the two groups of students related to performance or acquired knowledge. Includes references. (CMK)

Investigates the amount of time teachers devote to directed reading activities and reading skills instruction; the amount of time devoted to components of each approach; and which instructional strategies are used in each approach and with what frequency. Finds that the majority of time allocated for reading lessons is devoted to reading skills…

Three correlation matrices (PEARSON, POLYCHORIC, and TOBIT) were used to obtain reliability estimates on ordered polytomous variable models. A Monte Carlo study with different levels of variable asymmetry and 400 sample correlation matrices demonstrated that the PEARSON matrix did not perform as well as did the other 2 matrices. (SLD)

This study compares responses of four- to seven-year-old children (n=10) with articulatory disorders under the two-picture elicitation procedure for compound words and a single-picture elicitation procedure. Results indicate that type of elicitation stimulus is a factor for consideration in assessing contextual influences. Findings parallel…

Discussion of cognitive apprenticeships highlights a computer-based coached practice environment called SHERLOCK that was developed for Air Force technicians. Training for complex skills is discussed, comparisons are made between results with SHERLOCK and results with apprenticeship models that have human coaches, and possible future enhancements…

This study investigated relationships among perceived need, teacher efficacy, and use of 10 teaching strategies recommended for the gifted. The survey of 318 preservice teachers, classroom teachers, and teachers of the gifted found higher correlations between teacher efficacy and need and between teacher efficacy and use than between need and use.…

Three postgraduate continuing education programs utilized self-paced reference materials coupled with symposium presentations. Programs 1 and 2 were designed to provide more "active" learning elements (role plays, simulations, etc.) and Program 3 consisted primarily of lecture and discussion. "Active" format participants were…

Research evidence concerning the introduction of performance appraisal in United Kingdom universities is presented. The notion of "procedural compliance" is introduced to draw attention to the largely externally imposed appraisal of universities and to the nature of institutional response. Findings of a study of appraisal in four…

A qualitative study of thesis advising of 36 graduate students in education and psychology at 3 British universities investigated supervisory style, nature of supervisor-student meetings, extent of direction offered by the supervisor, nature of interpersonal relationships, and student strategies. The "negotiated order" supervisory model…

Reexamines the pros and cons of traditional basal reader and literature-based reading programs and those based on the whole language approach. Compares and contrasts classroom teaching methods, goals, and some outcomes. Includes Venn diagram showing overlap and divergence of whole language, literature-based, and traditional basal methods. (ET)

Content analysis of task force reports on improving the undergraduate major in 10 liberal arts disciplines revealed that each discipline's epistemological character strongly influenced methodology, pedagogy, and curricular innovation, consistent with previous theory and research on disciplines. The role of these factors and pragmatic…

A discussion of socially situated learning, critical thinking, and implications for distance education looks at a study of learners' perceptions while enrolled in two different models of audio teleconference-delivered university courses. It is concluded that learning communities, which support critical thinking, can be created at a distance.…

Discusses the contexts where virtual reality (VR) training environments might be appropriate; examines the advantages and disadvantages of VR as a training technology; and presents a case study of a VR training environment used at the NASA Johnson Space Center in preparation for the repair of the Hubble Space Telescope. (AEF)