Reports results of 1990 study that examined user satisfaction with OPACs (online public access catalogs) at 5 Ontario universities through interviews with 2,916 students and faculty members. Data on OPAC and computer experience, learning methods, and the effects of several variables on satisfaction are analyzed for the entire sample and for each…

Maintains that the United Nations Charter, which calls for "respect for human rights...without distinction to race, sex or religion" is commonly violated, particularly with respect to girls. Presents a lesson portraying dilemmas faced by four girls in different parts of the world as they confront problems. (CFR)

Analyzes students' conscious second-language learning activity and language problems students themselves recognize. Students answered a questionnaire regarding their learning habits. Successful and less successful language learners did not differ from each other in their general approach to learning. High achievers excelled at studying alone. (23…

Two methods of delivering direct instruction to preservice teachers were compared. Students (n=37) in a reading course learned the Directed Reading Activity (DRA) via lecture and discussion; 37 others learned with videotape and related practice. The latter group retained and used DRA knowledge better over a longer period. (Author/SM)

Discusses the relationship between educational theory and teacher professional knowledge. The paper presents eight criteria specifying types of educational inquiry processes which teacher educators and educational researchers must foster as a context for their activities. (SM)

Relationships among motivation, use of general and content-specific learning strategies, and achievement were examined for 283 high school geometry students early and late in the semester. Results suggest that teachers should emphasize domain-specific strategies when introducing a unit, and emphasize less domain-specific strategies later in the…

Described and evaluated are microcomputers as a tool for construction in geometry education and heuristic theorem finding through interactive continuous variation of geometric configurations. Numerous examples of theorem finding processes are provided using the prototype graphics system CABRI-Geometer. (MDH)

Integrating writing into the mathematics classroom is often met with resistance by teachers. Presented are ideas to help teachers implement four forms of writing appropriate for the mathematics class: (1) logbooks; (2) journals; (3) expository writing; and (4) creative writing. Specific examples and suggestions for classroom activities for each…

Social-cognitive, cognitive-motivational, and situational factors influencing children's effectiveness in using adults and other children as learning resources (help-seeking) are considered. Effective help-seeking can meet the dual developmental needs of minority students, specifically African-Americans, for autonomy and social support. (SLD)

This study, involving 9 students (ages 8-11) with learning disabilities, found that 1 session of self-instruction training was not sufficiently powerful for students to learn a strategy for solving arithmetic problems, but a second session and access to tape-recorded cues resulted in improved performance. Effects did not generalize to student…

Describes four methods to structure estimation activities that enable students to make connections between their understanding of numbers and extensions of those concepts to estimating. Presents activities that connect estimation with other curricular areas, other mathematical topics, and real-world applications. (MDH)

Thirty-seven secondary students with learning disabilities were taught health facts and concepts, which they then applied to problem-solving exercises presented through computer simulation games. Students who were taught an explicit strategy for solving problems performed better on two transfer measures than students given supportive feedback and…

Contends that properly selected children's literature can help foster cultural awareness and self-concept. Suggests that using fiction about the experiences of Asian and Asian-American children can help students with issues of acculturation. Recommends six novels and other resources for implementing this strategy. (CFR)

Contends that performance assessment, or authentic assessment, is changing the way teachers evaluate and grade students. Describes the differences between traditional assessment and performance assessment. Argues that performance assessment is particularly suited for the social studies curriculum. (CFR)

This study of 60 eighth grade students found differences among students with learning disabilities and students who were low, average, and high achieving, on perceptions of ability and achievement; attitude toward mathematics; knowledge of mathematical problem-solving strategies; and knowledge, use, and control of problem representation…