Discusses a mathematical model for mastery learning. The model includes measures of a motivational factor and the specific ability of a learner with respect to content being learned. The model also contains a variable reflecting prior learning. Assumptions/limitations are discussed, and research questions raised. (Author/JN)

A study of how teachers form initial impressions of pupils examined the relative influence of speech style, physical appearance, and written work on teacher judgments of pupils on a wide range of classroom personality and cognitive variables. Pupil voice and accent were found to be a strong influence in judgments about the child as a learner.…

A study investigated: (1) academic qualifications of female education majors; (2) how they compare with females in other academic programs; (3) career-choice shifts during college; and (4) whether females unsuccessful in other programs choose education as a last resort. Scholastic Aptitude Test scores, grade-point averages, and other measures of…

On six mathematical subtests studied, males scored higher plus took significantly more algebra, geometry, advanced mathematics, and physics coursework. Females earned higher overall mathematics grades. After statistically controlling for the amount of coursework taken, sex differences disappeared on two quantitative tests and on spatial ability.…

The five myths which teacher educators should attempt to deal with involve: (1) claims that all teachers are ineffective; (2) inadequacy of teacher preparation programs; (3) adequacy of subject matter knowledge as the primary criteria for good teaching; (4) inadequacy of knowledge base in teacher education; (5) inferiority of education majors. (JN)

In order to illustrate his claim that children are able to plan their own work and develop the strategies which are most aporopriate to themselves, the author presents his class notes on a science experiment designed and conducted by one of his elementary students. (Author/SJL)

Reviews learning patterns of Black children and problems they encounter within the educational system. Author confirms that these children are eager to learn but teachers and classroom environments are unable to meet their individual needs. (Author/JLF)

One hundred sixty eight students (grade 1-college) evaluated the achievement behavior of hypothetical students differing in ability, effort expenditure, and test outcome, both from the perspective of student and teacher. Teacher perspectives indicated that effort and outcome were perceived as highly relevant. Student perspectives indicated high…

A principle component analysis with oblique rotation of the Test Anxiety Scale for Children revealed five cognitive/worry-oriented factors and two emotional/somatic-oriented factors, using data from 849 fifth graders. Achievement motives, future time orientation, and ability were the most important factors, whereas instrumentality revealed itself…

A study of the 1980 graduating class of teachers at North Texas State University revealed that academic criteria played no significant role in the job-hunting experiences of those students. The author urges school districts to rely on academic competence rather than standardized tests in hiring new teachers. (Author/WD)

Models which describe assumptions concerning the distribution of intellectual capacity are: (1) the differential distribution model, encompassing theories that consider differences in intelligence genetic; (2) the normal distribution model; and (3) the evenly distributed model, focusing on the similarity of intellectual potentials within the human…

This study examined the interaction between field independence and two treatments: small group and individual mathematics instruction. There was significant interaction when achievement was the dependent variable, but not when student ratings of the course were used. The interaction was due more to general ability than cognitive style. (Author/GSK)

Results of the National Assessment of Educational Progress related to student ability to use information from graphs and charts is discussed. (MP) Aspect of National Assessment (NAEP) dealt with in this document: Results (Interpretation).

Tailoring programs to fit children is different from designing programs that exclude them. The many skills exhibited in gifted behavior can be taught, learned, and acquired to some degree by all children. (CJ)

Disputes beliefs contributing to the increasing skepticism toward higher education: many students are unable to benefit from higher education; enrollment declines are inevitable; the labor market cannot absorb all college graduates; the nation cannot afford its higher educational system; and higher education weakens the work ethic and propagates…