Two strategies for implementing a competency-based course in home economics education were compared. Sixty-three senior students were alternately assigned to a teacher-directed or student-directed class for attainment of specified competencies. Data analysis showed positive results of both methods. (TA)

A new hypothesis is proposed to account for both superior and equal performances under the study-test method as compared with the anticipation method. (Author)

A total of 59 studies were reviewed, 33 focusing on values clarification and 26 on moral development. The research on values clarification indicated that little or no confidence is warranted regarding its potential curricular effectiveness. However, the research base for the moral development approach indicated that cautious optimism is…

Study investigated relationship between class size and end-of-semester evaluation ratings. Size was most highly related to Group Intimacy/Interaction ratings. (Author)

To study attitudes toward computer assisted instruction in social studies, secondary students and teachers in Mobile, Alabama, were asked to use the microcomputer-based simulation "Civil War." Pre- and post-assessment scores of subjects' knowledge/attitudes concerning microcomputers are discussed. Journal availability: P.O. Box 535, Cupertino, CA…

Reports results of a study investigating effects of alternative modes of science methods instruction on 90 preservice elementary teachers': (1) beliefs about science teaching; and (2) general attitudes toward teaching. Student performance on criterion measures was found to differ significantly in three different modes of science instruction. (CS)

This study compared three instructional strategies for teaching music intervals to beginning music majors: programed instruction using a linear programed text; mastery learning using computer-assisted instruction (CAI); and self-practice using a textbook. Subjects were tested on immediate and delayed (48 hour) retention. Mastery learning by CAI…

In these studies, the structured content overview positively affected students' upper and lower level comprehension scores as compared to either vocabulary preteaching or control (no prereading) treatments. Vocabulary preteaching appeared to be more important with science than with history materials. (Author/SJL)

Argues that art skills can be taught, but the way that individual artists use those skills cannot be taught. Discusses how teachers in the arts require different preparation from that provided today and that new approaches are needed to teach art lovers and aspiring professionals. (KM)

Ten articles on the use of multilevel data in educational research are presented. Topics include model specification and building, analytical procedures, aggregation bias, least squares statistics, hierarchical linear models, significance testing, and testing multilevel product-process networks. (TJH)

The article discusses the need for communication of research findings involving exceptional individuals, the need for resolution of the research-practice dichotomy, and the types of papers which will appear in the new column. (JDD)

Evaluated the hypothesis that the apparent superiority of behavioral interventions among children is due to differences in the methodological quality of studies of behavioral and nonbehavioral treatments. Meta-analytic results found little support for this hypothesis. Because meta-analysis is a correlational technique, these results should be…

This article reports research with 80 children in 4 English-as-a-Foreign-Language classes in an elementary school in Lucca, Italy, discusses the teaching methods, and analyzes the results of the teaching. (CFM)

Examines how control theorists believe behavior results from individuals' internal standards reacting to environmental change. Argues that this belief requires a new research method, a test for the controlled variable, which seeks variables that do not change with a stimulus. Presents features of William Powers' control theory. Suggests sources of…