Argues that information designers can obtain a better understanding of users by using the contextual inquiry methodology, which involves conducting open-ended conversations with users while they perform their work. Notes that information designers using contextual inquiry depend on context, partnership, and focus to make design decisions. Relates…

Embedded a context effect experiment in a structured telephone survey of renal transplant recipients. Results indicated that context effects interacted with the treatment adherence status of respondents such that noncompliant recipients were less susceptible to context manipulations. Respondents' characteristics as potential moderators of item…

Investigated children's classroom sociometry and size of their best-friend networks. For both classroom and playground settings, popular children had the most reciprocal best friends, while rejected children had the fewest, but had more on the playground than in the classroom. Results suggest that constraints and opportunities of different…

This study was conducted using observations in mathematics classes at two all-girls' schools. The class in the high socioeconomic school constructed content that was perceived as required for entry into higher education while the low socioeconomic school constructed mathematics needed for everyday-life transactions. (30 references) (Author/MKR)

Student understanding of 30 nontechnical words used in science was investigated. No significant differences were found between the understanding of nontechnical words in science or between the verbal reasoning ability of males (n=108) and females (n=89). Of the four different question formats, students had the most difficulty with the synonym…

Presents results of a German study distinguishing between effects of knowledge on writing and re-effects of writing on knowledge. Reports that knowledge primarily affects the content domain of text, especially topic relatedness and logical structure of text, but not the linguistic domain. Concludes that both oral and written verbalization enables…

Summarizes the visions of 12 newly appointed superintendents from 4 northeastern states. In composing their visions, single-handedly from the start or collaborative over time, superintendents must cope with complex realities and competing demands. Although expected to emulate visionary corporate leaders, superintendents must envision within a…

Ten learning-disabled elementary students experiencing peer rejection participated in a 20-week intervention with a contextualist training model. Five of the 10 students' social status was classified as unrejected at the postintervention measure, and there were significant increases in positive peer nominations for males at posttest and 6-month…

Data obtained from a test of erasing an initial consonant or vowel of nonwords are presented and discussed to prove the inefficiency of processing when depending solely on acoustic decontextualized data. The experimental paradigm is the same as that used by the Universite Libre de Bruxelles. (six references) (LB)

Teachers in England and Wales have recently discovered the meaning of innovation overload, including mandated teacher appraisal. Teaching is a very exposed, personal activity; governors' attitudes and behaviors concerning staff appraisal are mostly a matter of relationship. Appraising governors must consider context, responsibility, definitions of…

Presents findings of a study exploring the development of new working relationships between teacher leaders and their principals. Uses a micropolitical perspective to document the interests and prerogatives brought by both parties to the new relationships. Raises important issues concerning the principal's role in teacher leadership development…

The seven articles that follow this introduction put the discussion of particular criminal justice programs into the context of public policy and focus on the effects of a "get tough" approach. The importance of theory and policy in program evaluation cannot be ignored. (SLD)

Mentoring, a powerful tool for developing and training school principals, must be managed wisely. Drawing on the experiences of a mentoring program operating in Singapore since 1984, this article discusses three major issues influencing success: mentor selection, program preparation and development, and program operation and organization.…

Complements review in previous volume concerning Australian literacy (in first- and second-language) initiatives that drew on systemic functional linguistics, highlights ongoing research within the same theoretical framework, and focuses on the question of modeling context in educational linguistics. The discussion includes modeling context as…

Reviews research about parental perceptions of and experiences with mainstreaming and discusses implications for practice. The literature reviewed focuses on parental perceptions of the effect of mainstreaming on children, families, and communities. Suggestions for developing successful mainstream education programs are offered. (TJQ)