Collecting statistical data about database usage by library patrons aids in the management of CD-ROM and database offerings, collection development, and evaluation of training programs. Two approaches to data collection are presented which should be used together: an automated or nonintrusive method which monitors search sessions while the…

By keeping accurate records, student teacher supervisors can present concrete evidence about physical education student teachers' classroom performance. The article describes various ways to collect objective data, including running records, at-task records, verbal flow records, class traffic records, interaction analysis records, and global scan…

The seven articles of this special issue focus on theory and research related to survey methods and whether evaluators need information that is absent from the larger survey literature. These articles reflect the view that the considerations relating to good survey research apply also to using surveys in evaluation. (SLD)

Using a sci-fi matchmaking scenario to illustrate the fallibility of technology, this article discusses the practice of reducing a student to a series of test scores for gifted identification. The limits of testing are addressed, and student performance and behavior are urged as additional categories for identifying aptitude and achievement.…

Offers suggestions for real-world projects in the statistics classroom for business students. (KHR)

Proposes a definition of transfer rate based on a longitudinal cohort analysis conducted by the Center for the Study of Community Colleges. Explains the methods by which data were collected and analyzed. (DMM)

Described are engineering programs that have used automated data acquisition systems to implement data collection and analyze experiments. Applications include a biochemical engineering laboratory, heat transfer performance, engineering materials testing, mechanical system reliability, statistical control laboratory, thermo-fluid laboratory, and a…

Effective teaching behaviors that have cognitive and affective learning effects on students' were identified in this study. Subjects were 50 grade-8 Dutch mathematics teachers. Findings indicate more teaching behaviors have a positive effect on mathematical knowledge than have a positive effect on students' attitudes toward mathematics. (IAH)

Discussion of the use of computer-based information retrieval systems in schools focuses on three paper and pencil experiments conducted in the United Kingdom that were designed to investigate how 9- to 11-year-olds organized and retrieved information from four organizational structures: lists, hierarchies, networks, and tables. (18 references)…

Identifies pertinent constituencies that interact with state-level community college governance and coordinating bodies in assessment; data and information needed for and used with these constituencies; the balance of potentially conflicting pressures and ideas about institutional autonomy and state uniformity and control; and mechanisms for…

Reviews current knowledge of the most frequently asked questions about child sexual abuse, in areas such as its prevalence and trends, and what populations are at risk. Data presented from 19 adult retrospective surveys show that the incidence of reported child sexual abuse is rising, that less than one-third of the cases were committed by…

Focuses on the tension between teaching and research. Six suggestions for teacher research are listed. It is suggested that a dialogic approach to teacher research increases the awareness of students as equal partners with their teachers. The dialog between researcher and researched can create new possibilities for the learning, growth, and…

Researches the requirements for teaching English as a Second Language to senior citizens in Fairfax County, Virginia, by means of a questionnaire sent to county teachers. These people should not be separated from younger students; the instructional materials should tap their wealth of experience and focus on communicative activities in real-life…

Presents an integrated math/science activity that shows students the differences among the three types of volcanoes using observation, classification, graphing, sorting, problem solving, measurement, averages, pattern relationships, calculators, computers, and research skills. Includes reproducible student worksheet. Lists 13 teacher resources.…

Gives lesson plans for activities integrating mathematics and science in which students collect data on the nutritional makeup of a number of snack foods and relate this information to the recommendations of the food guide pyramid. (MKR)