A study explored orientations to the study of statistics of 52 second-year psychology students (for whom statistics was required) and 59 arts students (for whom it was elective) at the University of Sydney (Australia). Students reported their reasons for studying statistics, course expectations, and usual approaches to studying mathematics.…

Ninety-seven elementary general education teachers rated their responses to the test failures of hypothetical boys with and without learning disabilities. In most cases, greater reward, less punishment, less anger, more pity, and higher expectations of future failure followed the negative outcomes of the boys with learning disabilities compared to…

Reports on a study of the expectations of preservice music teacher education students about the problems faced by beginning teachers. Students consistently expressed high levels of confidence and felt that they would experience less serious problems than the "average first-year teacher." Includes statistical data and tables. (MJP)

Asserts that new student assessment methods incorporate more direct assessment of student knowledge and performance. Describes changes in student assessment in California as a result of state and federal reform efforts. Discusses classroom implications and the role of teachers using the new assessment techniques. (CFR)

Discusses a survey conducted to assess the correlation between student concepts of an ideal graduate linguist and actual language ability. Little agreement exists among students about what skills an ideal graduate should possess. There is a high level of complacency among respondents regarding their own language ability. (three references) (CK)

Suggests group learning in the secondary social studies classroom increases student involvement and builds competencies in analysis, research, organization, and evaluative skills. Presents sample activities on the John Marshall Supreme Court decisions and the 1945 Yalta Conference. Includes discussion topics, questions, and handouts. (NL)

After reviewing the literature comparing resource room and consultation models for serving children with low achievement, this paper addresses six best practices: peer tutoring, direct instruction in basic skills, precision teaching, cooperative learning, computer-aided instruction, and applied behavior analysis. Teacher attitudes and behaviors…

Describes a study which explored the effects of a program to help low-achieving fourth and fifth grade students increase their mathematics achievement. Students and teachers organized into a community of learners; the curriculum, organized around units of study with major concepts, skills, and operations, was effective for all achievers. (SM)

Teachers' reported instruction of strategies and metacognitive knowledge in the classroom, and their attributional beliefs about the reasons underlying children's academic successes/failures were studied, using 59 teachers from West Germany and 43 teachers from the United States. A 7-item questionnaire was administered. Implications for…

Physical educators compared the effectiveness of peer, teacher, and video feedback during elementary students' skill development units. Groups of students received one of the types of feedback. Pretesting and posttesting indicated that teacher-directed feedback was best for younger students and video feedback with teacher cueing was best for older…

A middle school English teacher suspected that her own personality and demeanor gave students permission to act out. Student surveys examined how her demeanor affected students and what rewards and punishments were appropriate. Results indicated that, though she was not sending mixed messages, her students desired consistent, meaningful classroom…

Explores issues that encourage or discourage women from pursuing studies in science--matters that may affect confidence in themselves and in science as a possible career. Focuses on how young women approached career decisions, discerned from over 100 hours of interviews with 40 female college science students. Concludes that mixed societal…

Discusses gender differences in academic achievement and cognitive development in China, noting gender differences in school treatment that have negative effects on girls' learning and achievement. The paper reviews Chinese educational processes and outcomes and summarizes various efforts designed to enhance gender equity in education, noting…

A study examined writing proficiencies of eight bilingual fifth-graders and their teachers' beliefs about their writing. Writing skills of strong second-language writers equalled those of strong first-language children. Weak second-language writers were not significantly behind first-language writers. Family literacy experiences and the…

A survey of 1,433 high school seniors in northern California examined adolescent educational and career aspirations. Increasing numbers of students planned to seek education or training beyond high school. Latinos had lower aspirations than other ethnic groups. School counseling services were not used much or considered helpful. Parents were the…