Presents a solution to the problem of helping high-risk students develop the mathematics skills they need. Suggests that individualized projects, providing students with hands-on learning experiences that are tied in with the real world, be employed to build student self-esteem. Appendices provide example projects. (MDH)

Discussion of learner-controlled instruction focuses on a study of undergraduates that compared learner control with program control in interactive videodisc instruction for making an origami crane. Student performance, self-efficacy concerning the instructional task, time on task, and student attitudes toward the instruction are examined. (32…

Describes a study that examined the extent to which different levels of instructional control and varied learner characteristics affected performance and time on task, using interactive video in a college biochemistry course. Prior knowledge and learner internality/externality are discussed, and interaction between learner ability and…

Close investigation of trends in high school student course taking indicates that curriculum differentiation has had a negative effect on the education of many young people, particularly working-class and black students. It is argued that national goals and standards, wisely developed and applied, can benefit American education. (SLD)

Excerpts from testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources regarding the proposed Technology for Education Act highlights the need for strong school library media collections and programs in addition to the latest technology. Highlights include funding, expenditures, media centers and student achievement, librarians'…

Describes the use of audio and video technology to motivate eighth-grade students with special needs to produce a documentary video for a Civil War curriculum unit; profiles the students involved in the project; and evaluates the project based on students' reactions, achievements, and follow-up activities. (LRW)

A hierarchical modeling approach is used in studying the predictive validity of the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education examination, a key aid in selecting students for secondary education. Results from 51 schools indicated a modest predictive validity for the examination, with school and student characteristics influencing results. (SLD)

Discusses a study of whether Chinese-American families in small businesses promote educational achievement by transmitting high aspirations to the next generation. Concludes that proprietors exert positive influence on their children's educational attainment. Suggests that small business participation has encouraged intergenerational educational…

Although every school must develop its own dropout prevention programs, the framework for multifaceted solutions can be similar, involving a systemic approach consisting of the following: (1) identification and intervention policies; (2) interventions by educational leaders, teachers, and parents; (3) academic and support programs; and (4)…

Study monitored teacher questioning behavior within mainstreamed middle school social studies and science classrooms at teacher-to-group and teacher-to-student levels. At the group level, teacher questioning behavior was similar across both classes. At the individual level, content interacted with student and question types to produce different…

The General Accounting Office (GAO) investigated the effects of educational reform on approximately 61,000 disadvantaged urban students (focusing on Black and Hispanic-American students) in 4 districts. Excerpts from GAO findings and implications of the mixed results, with overall modest gains, are provided. (SLD)

The meta-analytic techniques of G. V. Glass were used to statistically integrate findings from 47 comparative studies on computer-based instruction (CBI) in health professions education. A clear majority of the studies favored CBI over conventional methods of instruction. Results show higher-order applications of computers to be especially…

Discussion of digital audio in computer-based training (CBT) focuses on a study at the University of Central Florida that was conducted to determine whether the addition of audio to CBT had positive effects on undergraduates' cognitive achievement levels and to analyze its effect on time required to complete a lesson. (14 references) (LRW)

Describes a study of high school students that investigated the impact of computer-assisted learning (CAL) integrated with classroom-laboratory instruction versus classroom-laboratory work alone on students' achievement and mastery of science process skills in a microbiology course. Posttest scores are compared and the curriculum integration of…

Describes a study that examined the effects of cooperative versus individual computer-based instruction on the performance of high- and average-ability fourth-grade students. Effects of learner and program control are investigated; student attitudes toward instructional content, learning in groups, and partners are discussed; and further research…