Maintains that preschool teachers can encourage meaningful dialogue and enhance learning among young children by asking appropriate questions, using fewer "known-answer" and testing questions, being sensitive to cultural differences, and creating an environment in which the educational goal is conversational equality between teachers and…

Whether a developmental dissociation exists between direct and indirect tests of picture memory was studied using 29 second graders and 29 sixth graders given a 1-day retention interval. Sixth graders performed better than second graders when memory was tested directly, but the performance of both groups was comparable when memory was tested…

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) drug-testing program affects thousands of collegiate athletes. This article examines the web of testing procedures and raises questions about the legitimate interest of the program; focuses on federal and state constitutional limitations; and suggests some ways to correct operating procedures.…

Described is how tests that accompany texts can be effective if items selected relate to topics stressed in class. Identified are problems commonly found in these types of tests and directions on how to improve problem questions. (KR)

Describes study of elementary school students in two age groups that assessed the impact of two control strategies on children's emotional reactions to a frightening movie scene. Hypotheses tested are explained, results of comparative analyses between the two age groups are discussed, and further research needs are suggested. (46 references) (LRW)

Describes study that was conducted to determine the feasibility of networking home microcomputers with a university mainframe system in order to investigate a new family process research paradigm, as well as the design and function of the microcomputer/mainframe system. Test instrumentation is described and systems' reliability and validity are…

A qualitative observational study of standardized group testing in 10 kindergartens revealed variations in testing conditions, discrepancies from standardized administration procedures, and variations in children's behavior that contributed to difficulties in maintaining a uniform testing process. High-stakes group testing in kindergarten should…

Uses 1960-80 census data for 69 nonmetropolitan provinces of Thailand to assess theories of fertility decline. Finds that, congruent with Caldwell's theory, fertility reductions were greatest where mass education was most widespread, but aspects of political-economic and ecological theories were also supported. Contains 43 references. (SV)

To streamline the process of collecting spontaneous language samples, a modified format of the "Multilevel Informal Language Inventory" was administered to 150 public school children, aged four-six. Administration, scoring, and analysis required approximately 35 minutes per child. Scores obtained were used to compute normative data on a…

Explores the few studies that compare the psycholinguistic processes characterizing second language acquisition in the classroom and native-speaking environments. A description of a study that found that, although intermediate Spanish students extensively monitored language usage in both environments, their monitored knowledge was still quite…

Investigated the effects of units using computers and computer-administered tests. The greatest benefit was attained by those using the units and attending lectures. Students using both the units and tests did not perform as well as the lecture only group. Explores the correlation between high school grades and the methods. (Author/YP)

Responds to Crowley's and Wilson's articles on the reliability of the van Hiele Geometry Test. Discusses the issue of the difficulty of trying to maximize content validity while minimizing measurement error. (YP)

In describing several pitfalls associated with research on school and teacher effectiveness, the following aspects of effectiveness research are considered: correlation-causation relationship, controlling for background factors, statistical and practical significance, instrumentation problems, regression effects, measurement of change, nonlinear…

Using linear discriminant analysis, two samples of Canadian high school students (n=929 and n=968) were tested using measures of self-concept, academic self-concept, and academic achievement. Academic self-concept was more effective than was academic achievement in differentiating between low-track and high-track students. (SLD)

Teachers' (n=78) and students' (n=2,347) perceptions of actual and preferred classroom environments were compared in 78 sixth grade classes in 43 schools in Israel. The Classroom Environment Scale was administered to all of the subjects. Teachers and students agreed more about the ideal than the real classroom. (SLD)