This study synthesized research on teacher efficacy. A 14-stage model was implemented to identify and analyze characteristics found in the synthesis population of 89 primary studies which addressed teacher efficacy. The 89 primary studies yielded 789 distinct and 973 total research hypotheses; 25 distinct and 973 total teacher efficacy constructs;…

This Bulletin describes the strength and duration of changeable risk and protective factors for youth violence at points in youth development when they appear most salient. These predictors are potential targets for prevention and intervention. The quantitative results of a large number of studies were synthesized using meta-analysis procedures.…

Although there are three main computer-assisted instruction (CAI) formats (drill and practice, simulation, and tutorial), tutorial format is particularly suitable to conceptual school subjects because this format: (1) explains the concept of the text; (2) tests the understanding of the topic; and (3) selects the next step of the subject. When a…

This digest addresses the role of evaluation and its basic logic, and provides a description of how the field is structured. In order to reach evaluative conclusions it is usually necessary to establish or identify factual promises and value premises. To obtain the required kind of overall evaluative conclusion, it is typically necessary to…

Talk remains by far the most used medium of instruction and classroom action. Classroom talk is typically dominated by triadic dialogue or an I-R-E (Initiate-Response-Evaluation) pattern of talk noted in the literature as consistent across grades and subjects. Studies seem to indicate that teachers utilize traditional forms of talk, even though…

Uses meta-analysis on teaching strategies research in science and finds that the so-called alternative science teaching strategies are more effective than traditional science teaching strategies. Shows that inquiry-oriented instruction characterizes the alternative strategies and distinguishes them from traditional science teaching strategies. (SR)

This meta-analysis synthesized results from test anxiety reduction programs. The treatment of test anxiety has been quite successful in reducing the test anxiety level of clients. The most effective treatments appear to be those that combine skill-focused approaches with behavior or cognitive approaches. Individually conducted programs, along with…

Considers the effects of learner control in computer-assisted instruction based on literature reviews and a meta analysis of 24 studies. Results suggest that learner control has little if any effect on students, and further research is recommended. (Author/LRW)

This article presents results of a meta-analysis of 58 studies of mathematics intervention for elementary students with special needs. Studies in preparatory mathematics, basic skills, and problem solving were reviewed. Duration and method of instruction proved important. Direct instruction and self-instruction were more effective than mediated…

Reviews current literature in the fields of computer science and education that is related to the structure and use of hypermedia; discusses discovery and incidental learning; examines the nature of the environment and of the learner; describes implications for the design of hypermedia-assisted instruction (HAI); and suggests further research…

Teachers and researchers can learn more about mastery learning by looking at the full picture instead of the small area on which R. E. Slavin focuses. Effects on precollege examinations constitute only a small part of the story; the larger literature presents many examples of its effectiveness. (SLD)

Use-oriented approaches to evaluation have been challenged by contentions that the responsiveness of such evaluations undermines their technical quality. This discussion analyzes purported conflicts between these evaluation criteria of utility and accuracy by examining underlying assumptions related to evaluation's purpose and politics. (TJH)

Describes a meta-analysis of 41 studies that looked at effectiveness of continuing medical education (CME) for improving physician knowledge and performance; at influence of CME on patient health status; at variables relating to quality of instructional program design; and at effects of intervening variables and threats to validity in methodology…

Findings are examined from studies published from 1980 to the present concerning the effects of peer tutoring on mathematics performance. Findings indicate the effectiveness of peer tutoring in promoting significant cognitive gains for both the tutor and the tutee with populations of low achievers, mildly handicapped, or socially disadvantaged…

Six quantitative reviews of the research on student ratings of instructional effectiveness are examined. The disparate conclusions of the reviews are explained by comparing the syntheses at each of five steps in a meta-analysis: specifying inclusion criteria; locating studies; coding study features; calculating study outcomes; and data analysis.…