Three systems for defining general cognitive abilities were analyzed to determine the nature of possible reference tests for cognitive abilities. They are the Guilford analysis of cognition, Guttman's facet design, and the Primary Mental Abilities of the Thurstones. This analysis led to a fourth schema for classifying abilities that deal with…

The purpose of this study was to provide a descriptive comparison of the teaching behaviors exhibited by preservice teachers trained in an experimental program (utilizing an Oral Language Program) and preservice teachers trained in a conventional program. Three dimensions of teacher behavior were compared: cognitive, behavior management, and motor…

This study was undertaken to ascertain the degree of stability of significant gains made in intellectual functioning by a group of children who attended Head Start programs and two groups of children who did not attend preschool programs. Data collected and analyzed at postkindergarten showed nonsignificant differences between performance levels…

Certain aspects of the performance of adults on verbal reasoning tasks were studied. The four main objectives of the study were: to develop a self-instructional booklet for use in teaching adults the functional rules of classification; to construct a reliable instrument for use in assessing the capability of adults to perform verbal classification…

A discussion and application of the Appalachia Preschool Test (APT) are presented. This test was developed to supplement the standardized instruments in use to measure program performance. It consists of two principal subtests, an introductory interview, and a section measuring logical reasoning and reading skill achievement. It is noted that the…

A comparison between standard kindergarten programs and AEL's preschool program was conducted to gain some insight into the desirability of using the laboratory-developed procedures rather than standard classroom procedures for affecting learning in 3-, 4-, and, especially, 5-year-old children. Initial differences in intelligence test scores were…

The need of the professions to update is studied. It is pointed out that the half-life in a professional's competence is the point in time after the completion of training when he had become roughly half as competent as he was upon graduation. Obsolescence is defined as a reduction of efficiencies of performance over time. It has been found to…

The Anthropology Curriculum Project (ACP) of the University of Georgia for the period 1964-65 is evaluated. The report is presented in three sections. Section I discusses the project hypothesis that pupil achievement would not differ according to the level of teacher training in anthropology. The experimental group consisted of 12 first-grade…

Describes way in which National Assessment of Educational Progress materials can be used by educators attempting to set instructional priorities and improve instructional programs. (JC)

Elaborates on the article "Synthesis of Research on the Effectiveness of Intellectual Skills Programs: Snake-Oil Remedies or Miracle Cures?" by Sternberg and Bhana. Encourages the development of a theory that could provide a guide to the infusion of thinking instruction into any area of inquiry. (IW)

Reports on the method and findings of a study which used unobtrusive testing to measure the accuracy and efficiency of search strategies by library personnel when dealing with the technical report literature. A copy of the test questions used in this study is appended. (CLB)

Issues in the debate over educational reform are examined in the context of academic standards, including the determinants of school effectiveness, curriculum content, incentives for teacher development, the role of higher education, and access to education. (MSE)

Describes a one-semester conversational language course based on specific proficiency goals. The oral proficiency pre- and posttests, goal contracts outlining performance objectives for each chapter of the text, specific instructional and grading techniques, and class activities are detailed. (MSE)

Teacher-centered presentation is generally considered the only way of teaching in large classes, whereas a learner-centered communicative approach is not considered feasible. This applies even more to language teaching, where the difference between the native speaker's knowledge and the students' command of the language hinder communication. In…

A program designed to improve the oral second language skills of high school students in second-year Spanish is reported. Initial analysis attributed the students' low level of oral Spanish skills to lack of motivation and insufficient practice of oral language. Three major interventions were implemented: incorporation of more oral practice of…