F. M. Lord's flexilevel, computerized adaptive testing (CAT) procedure was compared to an item-response theory-based CAT procedure that uses Bayesian ability estimation with various standard errors of estimates used for terminating the test. Ability estimates of flexilevel CATs were as accurate as were those of Bayesian CATs. (TJH)

Compared problem-solving behaviors of four samples of couples, sorted by marital happiness/distress and culture (German and Australian). Results showed cultural differences in frequency and functional significance of negative verbal communication, along with cross-culturally consistent marital behaviors associated with marital distress. (Author/TE)

Reports on a study that tested methods to control or reduce spurious response in order to improve survey technique. Examines two methods of controlling spurious response: alerting respondents that some questionnaire items are false, and using the "don't know" response option. Finds that only the "don't know" option actually…

An approach to language arts instruction for hearing-impaired students is described, which emphasizes expression of ideas rather than mechanics. The approach uses literature response journals and discussions to develop critical reading and writing skills, and helps students make the connection between literature study and their own writing. (JDD)

Explores why many secondary students resist writing by examining the extrinsic and intrinsic factors that affected one student's motivation to write. Determines that students' past experiences with writing profoundly affect their willingness to write. Describes ways to preserve and foster young writers' inclinations to write. (MM)

Effective deliberation in teaching relies upon situational appreciation. This article examines some of the central issues and confusing claims in the current debate over the notion of practical arguments as a way of better understanding how teachers think when they deliberate about what to do in the classroom. (IAH)

Explores the effects of Toni Morrison's novel, "Beloved," on readers. Explains that it maps a new direction for the African-American apocalyptic tradition because Morrison relocated the arena of racial battle from the streets to the African-American psyche where memories of the atrocities of the past have been buried. (JS)

Analyzes high school economics textbooks through an examination of the questions that textbooks traditionally address about economic production: What, how much, and how will something be produced, and who gets the product? Considers teachers' relationships to economic textbooks and courses. Concludes that textbooks should be more relevant to…

This article provides a brief overview of the Assertive Discipline classroom management approach and raises questions about its use in schools of a democratic society. Assertive Discipline is criticized as being based primarily on teachers' needs, characterized by authoritarian values and techniques, and lacking research-based evidence for claims…

Proposes and analyzes Video Audience Simulation Technique (VAST), an electronic instructional aid related to video robotics, used to simulate audiences for public speakers, providing realistic speech rehearsal, instructor control of audience feedback to facilitate learning, and portrayal of specialized audiences unavailable in normal instructional…

Describes workshops developed at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) library for faculty and graduate assistants to improve their understanding of library-based computer searching services. Bibliographic instruction is discussed; grant funding is described; the seminar format is explained; and responses to the workshops are…

Describes a method for isolating factors that influence the ability of a reader to comprehend the message of an illustration, and explains a model that is constructed from these factors to highlight potential problem stages in an author's design of an illustration. The model is based on data from comprehension trials with college students. (17…

Self-report data on the physiological/behavioral response associated with embarrassment were collected by questionnaire in Greece, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and West Germany. Blushing/increased temperature and smiling/grinning were reported consistently, with considerable variation, across nations. Understatement and overstatement of…

Explores how child readers in Australia and Germany responded to Randolph Stow's "Midnite." Reports on responses from taped interviews conducted in each country, examining both child and adult responses to the ironic humor of the work. (MG)

Reviews multichannel learning research to find the best ways to combine audio and video in television to improve learning, and summarizes the research findings into principles for instructional television production. Highlights include the effects of redundancy on learning and on audience attention, message clarity, and problems in instructional…