The mechanics' institute movement of the British Isles has been underrated by some historians, who have argued that many of the institutes were attended by the middle and upper classes. In any case, they state that by the 1850s, they were declining in both popularity and usefulness. This paper questions these assumptions, concentrating on the…

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether cognitive function in midlife predicts incident coronary heart disease (CHD), followed up over 6 years. Data on 5292 (28% women, mean age 55) individuals free from CHD at baseline were drawn from the British Whitehall II study. We used Cox regression to model the association between cognition…

Discusses two papers on university test validity and presents rational standards for researchers working on test validity. (PG)

Discusses the role of examinations in science education and questions the nature of many of the assumptions that underlie examination reform in Britain. (JR)

Presents a brief summary of the information reported to the Examinations Secretary by the Certificate of Secondary Education (CSE) Boards in Britain. Emphasis is placed upon the percentages of students taking examinations in the sciences. (JR)

The format of the final examinations in Conservative Dentistry in the Dental Schools of Great Britain and Ireland was investigated by means of a questionnaire sent to each of the dental schools in each country. Results are reported and the value of different parts of the examinations are discussed. (Author/RH)

Presents an examination paper based on the British Open University television broadcast entitled "Principles of Organic Synthesis." The test was administered immediately after the presentation of the broadcast to British students who had completed a two-year sequence in organic chemistry. (MLH)

Includes a sample of a classical studies examination given at the British Universities of Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, and Birmingham, and a criticism and defense of the examination. (DS)

This study investigated age- and ethnicity-related effects on approaches to learning and the possible impact of such differences on assessment outcomes. This is important in the context of widening participation and the growing number of students from non-traditional educational backgrounds. Some 77 Level 1 psychology undergraduates completed an…

A COMPARISON OF PRESERVICE TEACHER EDUCATION STUDENTS WAS PERFORMED IN THE AREAS OF (1) TEACHER ATTITUDES AND PERSONALITY CHARACTERISTICS, (2) GENERAL EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION, (3) PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION KNOWLEDGE, AND (4) GENERAL INTELLIGENCE. ALMOST 5,000 ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION STUDENTS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THE UNITED STATES…

The important thing is that the student early and continuously recognizes school as an institution ready to help, one that will help him, frequently, assess his own progress and deficiencies, indicate what these mean in terms of the future, and provide instruction for getting on. (Author)

Describes the grading system and examination practices of the British polytechnic schools. Explains the role of the external examiner and the board of examiners. Compares the benefits and drawbacks of this system with grading practices common in United States higher education. (JDH)

This guide for college teachers, written from a British perspective, focuses on economic and efficient practices for assessing students. The guide groups various practices under 10 major strategies: (1) decide whose interests assessment is serving; (2) avoid over-sampling the course; (3) avoid over-questioning; (4) avoid over-reading student work;…