A game with a football theme is described that has been found to be effective in motivating students toward mastery of the basic multiplication facts. (MP)

Using the hypothesis that arousal changes during learning are significantly related to retention, this study tests whether there are arousal differences in Black and White students in a testing situation where they are confronted with White examiners. (RLV)

This study was conducted to ascertain the effect that music might have on pulse rate, blood pressure, and academic scores of college students. A significant effect was revealed. (JD)

Achievements of 9, 13, and 17-year-old students are assessed in ten learning areas. Categories include basic skills (reading, writing, and mathematics), general subject matter (social studies, citizenship, science, and career development), and humanities and fine arts (literature, art, and music). (Author/DB)

Describes the criteria used to devise a test to evaluate the experiment-oriented investigative and problem-solving capabilities of students entering an introductory physics course. (Author/GA)

A university history course in London introduced a new type of test question, similar to an essay question, based on excerpts from historical documents. The article compares scores of men and women on both types of question, and reviews student reaction to the new type of question. (AV)

Links the theory of washback with the broader concept of impact in educational measurement and to the recent debate on construct validity associated with Messick. Notes that for many years it was asserted that language tests negatively impacted teaching and learning, an impact known as washback. (25 references) (Author/CK)

Examines the concept of washback as an instance of the consequential aspect of construct validity, linking positive washback to direct assessments and the need to minimize construct underrepresentation and construct-irrelevant difficulty in the test. The article explains washback as referring to the extent to which test use influences language…

Fifty adults (ages 28-86) with macular degeneration were given the Low Vision Reading Comprehension Assessment (LVRCA) to test its reliability and validity in evaluating the reading comprehension of those with vision impairments. The LVRCA was found to take only nine minutes to administer and was a valid and reliable tool. (CR)

Explores the rapid growth of academic examinations in physical education (PE) and sports studies. Considers if such growth represents a new orthodoxy rather than merely a consensus of thought and practice among PE teachers. Concludes that the increase results from the academicization and professionalism of PE and qualifies as an orthodoxy. (PAL)

Examines the relationship among senior psychology student scores on the Major Field Test in Psychology (MFT), the student characteristics, and the effects of courses taken by the students. Finds that students' scores correlated with other measures of success and with the number of psychology courses already completed. (CMK)

Presents the results of a study, using a test-taking strategies questionnaire, that investigated the reasons why students in introductory psychology write on a 50-item multiple choice test. Reports that there are seven reasons students used for why they wrote on the examination. (CMK)

Recounts historical experience with testing efforts. Recommends that in any testing program, the limitations of testing must be kept in mind in order for the tests to benefit student achievement. (DDR)

Ponders whether the testing industry can meet the needs of states as they develop intensive testing programs in reading, mathematics, and science as a result of the No Child Left Behind Act. (DDR)

Focuses on the form of the input for English for academic purposes listening tests. Reports on the development of a test in two audiotaped versions: a scripted monologue and an unscripted discussion of the same topic by three speakers. (Author/VWL)