This paper explores the feasibility of neural computing methods such as artificial neural networks (ANNs) and abductory induction mechanisms (AIM) for use in educational measurement. ANNs and AIMS methods are contrasted with more traditional statistical techniques, such as multiple regression and discriminant function analyses, for making…

A project geared to adult educators in rural central Pennsylvania addressed the topics of recruitment and retention of students in adult education programs in order to help the educators find solutions to these problems. Seminars conducted twice during 1993 covered the following topics: methods of recruitment, overcoming text anxiety, curbing the…

Anxiety toward mathematics is a persistent barrier to successful completion of a college degree for women and minorities. This program adapted materials and philosophies from other programs to meet the needs of students identified as impaired by mathematics anxiety in their pursuit of a college education. The program addresses both influencing…

The Coping Strategies Inventory for Statistics (CSIS) is designed to identify beginning statistics students with non-facilitative test-taking and study-coping skills. The self-administered CSIS consists of directions followed by two scenarios. The student reads each scenario, decides how he or she would react to the situation, and rates each of…

The Joint Entrance Examination of Universities and Colleges (JEE), the college entrance examination in the Republic of China, is discussed. It is suggested that the competitive selective process for college and university admission has survived for many centuries because it has served certain social functions. The system has been perceived and has…

A study investigated the levels of language proficiency and language anxiety of English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) learners. The goals of the study were: (1) to determine the effect of gender differences and learner specialization on levels of English language anxiety; (2) to study the relationship between gender differences and academic…

During the last two decades of work in predicting and explaining school achievement, much research has emphasized the identification and measurement of student cognitive and affective processes which predict and also promise to help explain and facilitate school achievement. This review focuses on modifiable cognitive and affective processes, as…

The effectiveness of a strategy for remembering words from a word list was investigated in subjects who were high in test anxiety versus subjects who were low in test anxiety. Sixty seventh-grade volunteers from two urban junior high schools were assigned to the strategy training group or the control group. The strategy group was instructed to…

This paper summarizes some of the issues involved in educational testing. First, it describes four of the fundamental characteristics of tests: whether they are measures of aptitude or achievement, whether they require students to produce or just recognize the best answer, whether they are interpreted in relationship to the scores of other…

Sixty college students from classes in educational measurement were divided into two groups. Each group was administered the same criterion test except that one group received feedback after every item and the other received no feedback. The students were also divided into three ability levels. Each test item was classified two ways; by item…

This publication features articles on school climate. Among the various concerns are: 1) the complexities of the educational environment, 2) low cost school climate programs, 3) implementation of changes for effective climates, 4) the roles of principals, teachers, and students in the educational environment, and 5) test anxiety and creativity as…

Presents articles on test anxiety, personality tests, history of tests and benefits to be derived from their use, tests as tools in career decision-making, temperament needs for certain jobs (as determined by personality tests), interest inventories, testing exceptional students, and testing to evaluate vocational needs of special needs groups.…

Fourth- through sixth-grade classrooms were observed, and a social climate questionnaire and the Test Anxiety Scale for Children were administered. Analysis of variance showed that high-structured classrooms had the most work involvement. Both high child activity and low control by teachers were related to more active deviancy. (Author/RD)

Examines the enormous pressure Chinese students face at home and in school to obtain high academic achievement. Analyzes the cultural, economic, and political factors contributing to the situation. Concludes with an argument for balancing educational goals with other aspects of the students' lives. (MJP)

Returning tests following an examination is often a difficult task for the instructor, particularly in courses that are perceived by students as anxiety producing. The purpose of this article is to offer suggestions for designing this class session so that students view it as a positive part of the learning process. The four phases suggested for…