The purpose of this state-of-the-art review is to provide a general overview of recent research on time distribution and second language (L2) learning with special implications for classroom settings. Several studies have been performed to examine how to best distribute the hours of L2 practice to maximize learning by comparing conditions that…

The purpose of this study is to investigate the interaction between discipline and personality in a blended classroom using the community of inquiry model. To this end, a factorial ANOVA is used to determine the main effects of the high and low of each personality trait as well as the four different clusters of discipline on the presences. The…

Curricular changes continue at United States medical schools and directors of gross anatomy, microscopic anatomy, neuroscience/neuroanatomy, and embryology courses continue to adjust and modify their offerings. Developing and supplying data related to current trends in anatomical sciences education is important if informed decisions are going to…

Using a national survey of more than 7,000 students from 128 different college introductory science courses, the authors compared students who experienced Block scheduling and Traditional scheduling in high school. (Contains 1 table and 2 figures.)

Discusses a study to compare results of one- and two-semester college economics courses in three areas--recognition and understanding of economic concepts, simple application, and complex application. Findings indicated that, although students did learn more in two semesters, one could question whether the marginal cost exceeded the marginal…

Presents results of a study comparing Georgia college students' scores on a test for economic understanding with scores of high school students. Compares scores by university and also by demographic information. Concludes that there is significant advantage in taking economics at the senior grade level in high school. (DK)

College and university fund raisers are encouraged to test various strategies for direct-mail solicitation by comparing variations of five factors that influence direct mail response: copy; timing; package; offer; and list. Suggestions include forming a hypothesis, testing one variable at a time, choosing test and control groups carefully,…

Follow-up surveys of four medical and five nursing classes conducted at varying times are compared to examine the effect of timing on program feedback obtained. Graduate assessment of program features was consistent and stable even several years after program completion. Surveying students shortly before graduation is recommended. (Author/MSE)

Reports on an experiment that tested whether course length and concentration affect learning. Using the "Economics U$A" television series, compares student performance in two classes taught over differing time periods. Results implied that concentrated time periods for courses may lead to more concentrated student effort. (LS)

A survey of 1,775 Ohio health care providers in 5 disciplines concerning the demand for professional continuing education is reported. Results indicate that program content, date, time, and location are the most important factors influencing program attendance. Specific comparisons are made between optometry and other health care professions. (MSE)

Colleges and universities were surveyed to determine their methods of scheduling final exams, and undergraduate students at the University of California at Berkeley were surveyed regarding finals scheduling. Inquiries were sent to 3l schools chosen on the basis of their similarities to the Berkeley campus in size, urban location, and/or use of the…

A study examined the relationship of writing method (cognitive strategies, tools, work scheduling, environment, and rituals) to productivity in 121 science and engineering faculty when writing technical documents such as journal articles. (MSE)

The report offers a comparison of instruction time for beginning languages at St. Olaf College (Minnesota) and 17 other colleges and universities, and concludes with recommendations for curricular change at St. Olaf College. Contact hours ranged from 80 hours (St. Olaf) to 171 hours. The study was undertaken in response to faculty concern that not…

A study compared scores on identical tests in internal medicine for two groups of graduating University of Toronto (Canada) medical students: those in a traditional, lecture-based curriculum (TC) and those in a redesigned curriculum with less didactic instruction and more clinical experience (NC). All comparisons showed a significantly higher…

Describes an evaluation of variability in the percentage of subject searching in an online catalog among branch libraries of one university. The results reported include variability by time of day, day of week, and week of semester. The value of this type of information for library administration is discussed. (CLB)