A recent reform initiative in the Malaysian educational system has sought to develop "Smart schools", intended to better prepare students for adult life in a developing economy and to increase the flow of young people prepared for scientific and technological careers. The study reported in this paper examined lower-secondary science…

Structural equation modelling was used to test a model integrating achievement goal orientation, learning style, self-efficacy and metacognition into a single framework that explained and predicted variation in performance. Self-efficacy was the strongest predictor of performance. Metacognition was a weak predictor of performance. Deep processing…

Experiential education, which takes students into the community, helps students both to bridge classroom study and life in the world and to transform inert knowledge into knowledge-in-use. It rests on theories of experiential learning, a process whereby the learner interacts with the world and integrates new learning into old constructs.…

In Part II of this study, we examined the effect of two 9-week instructional climates (low-autonomy [LA] and mastery motivational climate [MMC]) on perceived physical competence (PPC) in preschoolers (N = 117). Participants were randomly assigned to an LA, MMC, or comparison group. PPC was assessed by a pretest, posttest, and retention test with…

This correlational longitudinal study examined how college students' achievement goals for college in general predicted overall grade point average and diversity in course selection. During their first semester of college, students (N = 214) reported their performance-approach, performance-avoidance, and mastery-approach goals for college and…

We provide an overview of the role professional development plays in multitiered prevention and intervention models. Specifically, professional development is discussed within the context of establishing sustainable improvement in schools as professionals implement multitiered models of prevention and intervention services, programs, and practices…

Secondary vocational-technical education programs in Mississippi are faced with many challenges resulting from sweeping educational reforms at the national and state levels. Schools and teachers are increasingly being held accountable for providing true learning activities to every student in the classroom. This accountability is measured through…

This report examined the implementation of Foundations of Algebra, a course designed to provide high school students with low mathematics performance an extra opportunity to review and study foundational mathematics concepts prior to enrolling in Introductory Mathematics and subsequently Algebra I. In the fall of 2009, 877 high school students…

Weaknesses in Bloom's (1968) model and misinterpretations are described. (DAG)

A paper by R. E. Slavin is discussed concerning the validity and efficacy of mastery learning techniques. Slavin's pessimistic view of mastery learning, based on a selective set of studies that he examined, is countered by the proposition that much research indicates the necessity of this form of teaching to education. (TJH)

In this article, the author discusses how teachers should not merely teach their students content-mastery and problem-solving skills. She believes that teachers should learn about the sources of their students. The author discusses that in order to effectively teach students, teachers must not give everything to their students. Students must be…

This study investigates English as a second language (ESL) teachers' beliefs in grammar teaching. A 32-item questionnaire was administered to 11 ESL teachers in a language school in California. The results show that the participants generally believe that the formal study of grammar is essential to the eventual mastery of a foreign or second…

(Purpose) This literature review discusses the history and application of science, technology, and society (STS) teaching methodologies. (Findings) Topics addressed in this paper include: (1) developmental history of STS; (2) fundamental beliefs of STS practitioners; (3) STS methodology in the classroom; (4) Difficulty in implementing STS; (5) STS…

The present study aimed at investigating Turkish high school students' metacognition and its relation to achievement goals (mastery approach goals, mastery avoidance goals, performance approach goals, performance avoidance goals), perceived competence, and perceived classroom environment (challenge and threat). Metacognition was examined in terms…

First-year students experience academic, social, and emotional adjustments as they transition to college. First-year experience courses support students in this transitional phase by helping them integrate into the campus environment and by teaching them college-appropriate learning strategies. This study explored the role that participation in a…