Compares the effectiveness of traditional lecture methods of instruction to group discussion methods of instruction in developing critical thinking. Finds no significant difference in the two instructional methods, but significant gains were found from the pretest to the posttest for both instructional strategies. Concludes that face-to-face…

Discussion of visual information retrieval systems focuses on an approach for testing novel interfaces that uses bottom-up, stepwise testing to allow evaluation of a visualization itself, rather than restricting evaluation to the system instantiating it. Presents a case study of undergraduates that compares a new visualization technique to more…

This paper presents a case study on how benchmarking was used to determine how one organization's Web site compared to Web sites of related schools and professional organizations. Highlights include application of metrics, the Web site evaluation form, functional/navigational issues, content and style, and top site generalizations. (Author/LRW)

Summarizes findings from studies comparing classroom and technology-based approaches to training and the respective Return on Investment (ROI) data. Highlights several advantages of technology-based training. Offers information and initial ROI numbers on the use of technology-based training at Advanced Micro Devices, a global manufacturer of…

This article reviews the problems associated with using item response theory (IRT)-based latent variable scores for analytical modeling, discusses the connection between IRT and structural equation modeling (SEM)-based latent regression modeling for discrete data, and compares regression parameter estimates obtained using predicted IRT scores and…

In this article, we review the findings of Rona Flippo's (1998) "Expert Study" within the comparative context of recently published reading research reports such as the National Reading Panel report (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 2000) and Preventing Reading Difficulties in Young Children (Snow, Burns, &…

The study drew on Bernstein's theory and Moscovici's theory of Social Representations to investigate how children in classrooms with different types of structuration developed social representation of the curriculum. Comparable case studies were carried out in schools chosen to reflect three types of pedagogy according to Bernstein's typology.…

The war in Iraq and the aftermath are receiving media attention around the globe. A plethora of media reports from many other countries is now available online in English. This article recommends possible approaches to developing comparative media studies and provides URLs to specific sources. The NCSS standards addressed by these lessons include:…

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the use of a diagnostic test to assess the preparedness of level one students for a sports biomechanics module. During their first week at university, a cohort of 108 students completed a diagnostic test at the end of their first lecture in sports biomechanics, with no prior notice. Upon…

This paper explores the role of systematic reviews of research literature and considers what they have to offer research in science education. The origins of systematic reviews are described, together with the reasons why they are currently attracting considerable attention in the research literature. An overview is presented of the key features…

Using various official sources (such as Ofsted reports), the article explores competing conceptions of the under-achieving school which have been operationalised in recent years. It suggests that there have been multiple, potentially conflicting definitions in policy discourse to which recent innovations have merely added a further layer of…

Previous research has shown that children systematically alter the size and colour of their drawings in response to the emotional character of the figures which they draw. However, these findings have been demonstrated only with children receiving mainstream Western education. This experiment was designed to investigate whether children receiving…

This article compares two methods for analyzing small sets of repeated measures data under normal and non-normal heteroscedastic conditions: a mixed model approach with the Kenward-Roger correction and a multivariate extension of the modified Brown-Forsythe (BF) test. These procedures differ in their assumptions about the covariance structure of…

The introduction of the National Numeracy Strategy (NNS) in England in September 1999 represented a very significant attempt to change the way mathematics was taught in primary schools. In Wales, where the NNS does not apply, an alternative strategy required Local Education Authorities (LEAs), in consultation with their schools, to develop locally…

In this article, we compare Curriculum 2000 and Higher Still, recent reforms of post-16 education in England and Scotland respectively. Current and earlier research on the unification of academic and vocational learning in England, Scotland and other European countries is drawn on in order to suggest areas for mutual learning to inform future…