Discussion of the instructional effectiveness of educational software focuses on a study of undergraduates that investigated the effectiveness of a problem-solving program designed to assist students in solving nonlinear optimization problems. Results are reported that indicate manual procedures resulted in greater learning than use of the…

Presents a geographic analysis of results of a survey of medical libraries in the United States, Canada, and Europe that examined the automation of book and serials processing. Levels of automation are investigated, geographic differences between the use of personal computers versus mainframe/minicomputers are discussed, and software systems are…

A study investigated the criteria used by graduate students to choose a business administration program. Findings indicate a significant relationship between students' selection criteria and personal background characteristics such as race (white, Hispanic, American Indian/Alaska Native, black, Asian American), citizenship status, and gender. (MSE)

Drawing on surveys of Peruvians, a discussion of Peruvian university education looks at how realistic students' expectations of the economic benefits of university attendance are. Differences in perceptions among ethnic groups (Spanish-speaking and Quechua-speaking) were examined, and implications for social integration in such a society are…

Median polishing, an exploratory data statistical analysis technique, was used to study achievement patterns for men and women on the Pharmacy College Admission Test over a six-year period. In general, a declining trend in scores was found, and males performed better than females, with the largest differences found in chemistry and biology.…

Examines the effects of word processing on high school seniors' writing and revisions of essay assignments. Length of papers, the impact of topic on the results, the effect of handwriting papers after computer composition, comparison of writing methods over time, and effects of typing ability and computer experience are discussed. (Contains eight…

Compared the performance of two groups of subjects on psychoeducational tests taken during adolescence and early adulthood. Adolescents who had received a protein supplement when they were infants scored higher on tests of knowledge, numeracy, reading, and vocabulary and showed faster reaction times in information-processing tasks than adolescents…

A study investigated the attitudes of engineering students (n=167) and graduates (n=220) who had taken courses which were enhanced to better prepare them for professional practice than conventional courses. In general, these students and graduates viewed their courses more favorably than those (n=353) in conventional courses. Some complaints were…

Describes the nature of children's oral language experiences in Head Start and other preschool programs serving low-income families and relates those experiences to broader features of the classrooms' programs. Finds that small class size, teacher education levels, and developmentally appropriate curricula are positively associated with high…

In this correlated study, researchers tested the hypothesis that adolescents who occasionally used drugs would exhibit psychologically healthier characteristics than adolescents who had been frequent users or complete abstainers. Results indicated a linear relationship between substance use and psychological health--increased drug use accompanied…

To explore differences and similarities in the concepts of educational indicators (performance indicators) in the United States and United Kingdom, three pairs of speakers from each country were invited to prepare papers and deliver their partner's paper. Achievement indicators, inspections/site visits, and performance indicators in school…

Examines Scotland's increasingly standardized national curriculum and testing reforms. Discusses centrally determined innovations, relationships between curriculum and assessment, reforms' effects on classroom, and teachers' role. Compares elements of encroaching "market model" reforms in England, Wales, and United States, suggesting…

Descriptive statistical data on the status of African-American college students in Pennsylvania is presented and includes application and acceptance rates, freshman enrollments, financial aid awards, first-year and overall dropout rates, and withdrawal reasons. Some comparisons of ethnic groups are made. Concern is expressed over declining…

Discussion of integrated library systems focuses on the development of the Ohio Library and Information Network (OhioLINK). Capabilities of eight existing systems are described, including catalog creation and maintenance; the online public access catalog (OPAC); circulation, interlibrary loan, and document delivery; acquisitions and serials…

Compares Adult Basic Education (ABE) in North Carolina where ABE is administered by community colleges and Virginia where ABE is delivered by the public school system. Reports differences in student recruitment, class scheduling, availability of facilities, commitment of institutional leadership, and program funding. Makes recommendations. (DMM)