There are now established methods and models to assess critical thinking in any discipline. The approach selected will depend on how critical thinking is defined, whether national norms are needed, and how the results will be used. (Author)

This study examined the effectiveness of a simple browse search strategy and a more complex analytical strategy with 25 high school students, using an electronic full-text encyclopedia. Captured keystrokes and student essays were analyzed for retrieval performance and information application. No significant differences between types of search…

In response to criticisms of the study of the Committee on the Status of Black Americans, the study director and committee chairman discuss the following: (1) participant selection process; (2) consultation with scholars; (3) chairman's qualifications; (4) study group organization; (5) theoretical orientation; (6) sponsoring organization's role;…

Effective use of technololgy in schools depends upon practitioners applying new experiences to classroom and other contexts. During learning, staff identify problem areas and improve roles. A district should use technology strategically to solve management problems. Student learning is enhanced by strategic applications. (CJH)

Provides a method of classifying and exemplifying the types of discrepancies which are commonly found after comparisons of the content of scientific papers with their bibliographies. Lists and explains some of the major discrepancies and offers strategies for dealing with the problems. (ML)

Describes a study of the computer searches performed by 14 education specialists on the ERIC database. Interviews with users indicate they felt retrieved materials were relevant, the database provides access to materials not obtainable through other sources, and the proportion of irrelevant items in the output is not significant. (MBR)

Describes a mathematics education research project conducted among seventh graders with the goal of identifying important processes, skills, and understandings needed by students to use mathematical ideas in everyday situations. Discusses information utilization skills required for solving a written problem containing extensive verbal and…

A seven-step program is described for allowing students to try their hand at solving problems of the future. Goals of the program are to encourage students to think more creatively, increase their research and communication skills, and develop problem solving skills. (TE)

The tentativeness of knowledge is a safety catch that a pretension to usefulness tends to remove. The problematic concept of knowledge utilization defeats the purposes of both knowing and action, for it overestimates the certainty of knowledge and underestimates the range of valid practical concerns. Thirty-seven references are provided.…

Provides an introduction to data-based interventions in the organizational context. Compares four models of data use and discusses how they pertain to student affairs organizations and to staff training and development. (JAC)

Discusses legal, ethical, and economic aspects of free flow of information/data across national borders, as related to both developed and developing countries. Also explores the role of Blacks in telecommunications ownership and policy formation. (GC)

In using teacher self-assessment to identify staff development needs, supervisory staff must be aware of: (1) types of information that can be collected through the self-assessment process; (2) possible techniques for collecting each type of information; and (3) procedures for using self-assessment information to identify priority staff…

The information age along with the exponential increase in information technology has brought an unexpected amount of information. The endeavor to sort and extract a meaning from the massive amount of data has become a challenging task to many educators and managers. This research is an attempt to collect the most common suggestions to reduce the…

The purpose of this study was to identify the beliefs of Tennessee principals and teachers about the knowledge and skills required of leaders when using data to improve educational decision-making. Personal interviews were conducted with 10 principals and 10 teacher leaders certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.…

This paper discusses the role of the intermediary in the information profession. Changes due to the advent of digital media are addressed, and ways that a positive role for the intermediary can be promoted are suggested. Several activities are listed to illustrate the expanding role of the intermediary, and actions in order to secure a future for…