Examines pre-first-grade programs in three New England school districts to determine why so many children cannot meet regular classroom demands. Extrayear programs are a quick fix allowing schools and communities to retain policies that permit children to be labeled, tracked, and retained. There is no substitute for a well-designed,…

Discussion of multimedia instruction focuses on a pilot study that compared the relative effectiveness of three interactive media formats in a DVI/RTV (Digital Video Interactive/Real Time Video) computer-mediated instructional lesson for a military communications system. Hypotheses tested are discussed, and the educational importance is…

Introduces an interactive distance learning environment prototype developed jointly by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and AT&T which allows students to participate in virtual classroom environments by using computer teleconferencing. Student collaboration, note taking, question answering capabilities, project background, learning…

Suggests ways in which the Internet can supplement traditional methods of professional development for librarians. Examples include electronic journals, discussion groups, electronic courses, electronic conferences, e-mail, networking, and coauthoring via the Internet. Services listed include Internet directories, education gophers, bibliographic…

Suggests giving some power back to Native American students by using small groups, acting more as a coach than as an instructor, and using culturally relevant and interesting materials. Notes that these suggestions increase teaching effectiveness with Native American students. (MG)

Describes a study of the influence of college culture on Hispanic community college student progress, drawing from interviews with administrators, faculty, and staff. Presents findings regarding the importance of the family, economic considerations, students' knowledge of the college system, cultural understanding, and relationships with feeder…

Presents findings of a meeting, sponsored by the Massachusetts Advisory Committee of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, on racial tension and religious intimidation on Massachusetts campuses. Student representatives of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and Smith College at Northampton (Massachusetts) describe experiences and provides…

Presents findings from this condensation of major studies of the differences among U.S., Chinese, and Japanese education. Explanations for the superior performance of Chinese and Japanese students are explored in the areas of home and parents, effort and ability, organization of schooling, and teachers and teaching. (SLD)

Examines evaluation in a situated learning context. Topics discussed include a model for evaluation in a computer learning environment; portfolios, including written, electronic, and video formats; summary statistics; diagnosis; reflection and self-assessment; story construction or scenario design; learners as designers of instruction; and…

Compares experiences of 73 African-American and 73 white undergraduates (30 males and 116 females) on a large predominantly white university campus, controlling for past academic achievement. African Americans' experiences reflect aspects of their personal backgrounds that differ from those of whites more than they reflect academic background…

Researches student perceptions among Afro-Caribbeans, and Africans enrolled in Initial Teacher Education (ITE) departments in Great Britain. Students discover their courses fail to address racism issues; perceive the selection processes are discriminatory; and find racist attitudes among lecturers. (NL)

This article develops a framework for assessing how differential incentive policies affect teacher commitment and identifies key workplace conditions contributing to commitment. The framework is used to assess effects of such differential incentive policies as merit pay and career ladders. Increasing participation, collaboration, and feedback is…

Data from the 1988 National Education Longitudinal Study were analyzed to identify variables related to five types of student behavior: misbehavior, violent behavior, substance abuse, preparedness for class, and classroom behavior. Results indicated that variables not under school control and certain school practices and policies significantly…

Reports on a study of 323 Nigerian secondary students to determine what relationship exists between preferred and actual classroom environments and their approaches to learning science. Finds that Nigerian students prefer more teacher control, a less competitive atmosphere, and less emphasis on student friendships. (CFR)

Reviews the "Curriculum Guidelines for Multicultural Education," revised and published by the National Council for the Social Studies in 1992. Finds that the guidelines emphasize the total school environment and do not depend on the social studies curriculum alone to teach about cultural diversity. Contends that Canadian educators and…