Education researchers use surveys widely. Yet, critics question respondents' ability to provide high-quality responses. As schools increasingly use student surveys to drive local policy making, respondents' (lack of) motivation to provide quality responses may threaten the wisdom of using questionnaires for data-based decision making. To better…

Provides pointers regarding seven basic steps for writing a student body public opinion survey news story: selecting a topic, forming some hypotheses, designing a questionnaire, constructing a sample design, collecting the data, analyzing the data, and writing the news story. (GT)

Emphasizes the importance of computer instruction and statistical methods and suggests ways in which instructors of geography on the college level can alleviate student fears. Tips include discussing geography as a science, explaining the relevance of the scientific method to a specific research problem in geography, and introducing problem…

Proposed is a method of learning about relevant aspects of a research scientist's work by analyzing "real" data. The way in which students used real data from an astronomy project is described. The procedures for the analysis and evaluation of the end results are included. (KR)

Considers the use of personal information given by students to teach about understanding and appreciation of data analysis in college sociology courses. Students are directed to describe their personal style by a five step process: simple measurement of personal characteristics, recoding and indexing, quantifying a dimension, discussing recoding…

Children and adolescents in the United States are increasingly overweight at younger ages. Many studies have investigated the issue from the perspective of professionals and other adults. This study assessed early adolescents' perceptions regarding the magnitude of, effects of, causes of, solutions for, and learning preferences related to…

The Austin Independent School District (AISD) Office of Research and Evaluation (ORE) conducts three surveys to contribute to more informed and better decision-making. The Questions for Teachers and Questions for Administrators surveys are both sent out annually to determine the attitudes of District staff on issues of importance districtwide. The…

Describes a study conducted to determine the effect of exposure to microcomputers coupled with large video displays on college students' beliefs about computers. Students' attitudes were measured both before and after exposure to microcomputers, and results indicate that students exposed to microcomputers developed more positive attitudes than the…

Suggests a classroom activity for teaching psychology students about group norms. Calls upon students to conduct peer surveys about a particular behavior and then to represent approval or disapproval of the behavior graphically. Argues that the activity increases student understanding of survey research methods, the need for controlled research,…

Assesses mental health knowledge of 1850 Chinese secondary school students. Finds a significant number of students lack knowledge about mental health and illness. Discusses implications of the data for mental health education within the school context. Includes the Chinese Mental Health Knowledge Scale (CMHKS). (NL)

Listening skills research has tended to focus on strategy use in classrooms and on theory and practice of second language (L2) teachers. This study examined the teachers' and learners' perceptions of listening skills in non-classroom learning situations. Five (n = 5) study skills teachers and 19 former learners in a distance study skills course at…

This evaluation of mathematics is one of a series of program evaluations conducted on a cyclical basis in the West Hartford (Connecticut) Public Schools. Its purpose is to provide information for program improvement and growth. The evaluation focused on eight questions, and the findings are organized by these questions, concerning: (1) the extent…

Describes the use of a student-designed questionnaire to generate data for teaching statistical procedures and concepts. Maintains that students learn firsthand that data analysis is an integral part of the research process. Concludes that students find real data more interesting. (CFR)

Describes a secondary analysis of a national assessment of educational progress in science which was conducted in 1981-1982 with students of age nine. Suggests that elementary school students' achievement and attitude are influenced jointly by a number of factors rather than by one or two dominant ones. (TW)

Student satisfaction surveys assess satisfaction with various facets of the university and includes key sets of questions on programs and services, university learning and social environment, university mission and values, educational preparation, transfer intent, general satisfaction, attitudes toward coursework, and student demographic…