Students in fourth and seventh grade who were poor comprehenders were taught prediction, clarification, question generation, and summarization using scaffolding instruction. Performance on a standardized comprehension test improved for the students who received the instruction. (PCB)

Replicates and expands upon an earlier study conducted by Robert Szafran in which a pretest was used to explore the effects of prior knowledge upon grades. Confirms that pretest scores and grade point average predict posttest scores. Presents a number of implications for teaching. (KO)

Discusses instructional analogies and describes two studies which were designed to examine the effects of instructional analogy training on college students' ability to identify the application of advanced physiological concepts. Student performances are compared with and without analogies and future research is suggested. (Contains 71…

Describes a study of undergraduates that explored the technique of progressive disclosure of information as a type of interactive illustration using paired associates. Noninteractive stimuli versus progressive stimuli are compared, and progression as a technique that provides a visual link to help create a semantic link and facilitate memory is…

Discusses a study focusing on the process of learning and long-term memory in learning economics. Suggests that effective learning occurs when students have incorporated successfully the formal propositions presented into their permanent knowledge bases. Concludes that when topics are presented that build on students' prior knowledge, economic…

In 3 isolated rural schools, 48 gifted girls in grades 4-6 participated in a semester-long intervention aimed at changing math attitudes. Intervention strategies, which focused on problem-solving activities, math-related career options, and self-esteem issues, produced significant positive changes in five of six categories of mathematics…

Describes a study conducted with eleventh graders that compared the effects of computer-based instruction (CBI) and print-based instruction (PBI) on motivation, continuing motivation, and content recall. Use of the Instructional Materials Motivation Survey (IMMS) is explained, and the findings, which indicate the superiority of CBI, are discussed.…

Predictions of a model of instructional feedback were tested as 117 undergraduates read a text, rated certitudes, and received feedback at varying speeds. Results support the hypothesized relationship between certitude and the probability of correctly answering posttest questions, but not between certitude and durability (maintaining a response…

The reliability of residual scores created in the analysis of covariance in pretest-posttest designs, adjusted for a singe covariate, is compared with that of simple difference scores as relevant parameters vary. Little gain in reliability is created by analysis of covariance, which also suffers from reliability problems. (SLD)

During a seven-year period, cognitive training by means of a pretest-posttest was used in a study of old adults' problem solving in regards to figural relations. Results showed significant training effects at each phase, with the largest gains occurring at the first phase. The performance of old adults after the last phase was significantly above…

Describes a study of students at Buffalo State College that was conducted to compare achievement results between a class taught with computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and one taught without CAI. Computer attitudes are examined, sex differences are discussed, and pretest and posttest scores are analyzed. (17 references) (LRW)

Describes an orientation program that was developed at Northern Kentucky University to supplement the specific job training provided for student employees in the university libraries. Goals that include an increased knowledge of library operations and strengthened commitment to assigned work are discussed, and the program's effectiveness is…

Assesses an intervention model for reducing fear of criminal violence among the African American elderly. Senior citizens (n=31) participated in four crime prevention workshops. Eighty-three percent, as compared with 68% before the workshops, reported feeling safe at home at night. Significant posttest correlations were noted for posttest fear of…

Describes a study that was conducted to determine whether bibliographic instruction methods used in an academic library's computer classroom were effective. Teacher-education students were tested using pretests and posttests designed to determine their knowledge and skill in using library technology to obtain research information. The tests are…

Compared entrance and exit scores for 16 patients completing outpatient treatment for sex offenders. Statistically significant outcome measures and clinical improvements were obtained. Follow-up in 26 months yielded one reoffender. Results support the use of outpatient behavior therapy in reducing deviant sexual arousal and enhancing appropriate…