Student-centered approach of scoring the concept maps consisted of three elements namely symbol system, individual portfolio and scoring scheme. We scored student-constructed concept maps based on 5 concept map criteria: validity of concepts, adequacy of propositions, significance of cross-links, relevancy of examples, and interconnectedness. With…

Assuming that dynamic features of Dynamic Geometry Software may provide a basic representation of both variation and functional dependency, and taking Vygotskian perspective of semiotic mediation, a teaching experiment has been designed with the aim of introducing pupils to the idea of function. First data coming from the observations in Italian…

In this paper we will concentrate on pupils' self-confidence in mathematics, which belongs to pupils' mathematical beliefs in themselves, and beliefs on achievement in mathematics. Research described consists of a survey of more than 3000 fifth-graders and seventh-graders. Furthermore, 40 pupils participated in a qualitative follow-up study…

This study re-examined three previous studies on creativity in an attempt to address the question of whether creativity is content general or content specific. Statistical re-examinations were conducted that involved inferential statistical analyses (factor analysis and multivariate analysis) of correlation matrices representing student scores on…

The purpose of this study was to examine the construct validity of a performance assessment program, the Maryland School Performance Assessment Program (MSPAP). Based on analyses of the longitudinal associations of Grade 5 MSPAP data in 1996 with Grade 3 MSPAP data in 1994, the following hypothesis was examined: the unattentuated correlation or…

Data were reanalyzed from a previously reported study of the passage dependence of reading comprehension questions being developed for the revised SAT. The objective was to uncover any gender differences in approaches to and performance on a task requiring examinees to answer reading comprehension questions without reading the passages on which…

This report describes efforts to create and test variables measuring students' high-school coursetaking in mathematics, foreign language, and science, using data from the National Education Longitudinal Study (NELS) NELS:88 transcript file (National Center for Education Statitstics (NCES) projects 1.2.4.13 and 1.2.4.39). The first project…

Included in this column are Star Trek, a geometric construction problem; a simplified approach to correlation using scattergrams; a calculus problem concerning second derivatives for extreme values; and a note on integration by parts. (MNS)

Bivariate correlation analysis of data collected in a survey of document departments in 88 academic depository libraries on departmental staffing, budget, equipment, and types of publications shows no significant correlation between resources available to documents departments and those of the entire library. Fourteen references and the…

Considers the significance of communication for the relationship between ethnic heritage and social class. Examines the impact of two status variables--education and income--on ethnic identification and ethnic behavior. Finds little support for the view that these status measures have the strong impact on ethnicity predicted by the literature. (PD)

Rank-difference correlations between Memory-for-Designs test, Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC), and Wide Range Achievement Test scores for two classes of educable mentally retarded children showed high negative correlations between Memory-for-Designs and WISC Full Scale IQs. Visual memory accounted for 84 percent of variance in…

Describes a study to determine if time spent in modular instruction is related to improvement in performance on weekly tests or final examinations across four years in a course on plant anatomy taught by Self-Instructional Modules and Interactive small Group discussion (SIMIG). Twenty-one references are listed. (Author/CHC)

Describes a simple, confidentiality-preserving, data-collection technique the Context-Determined, Rule-Generated, Pseudonym (CDRGP) Technique, capable of generating correlational data across multiple time-points. Experiments showed that students would respond to alcohol consumption questions using the technique and that no significant response…

Examined the relationships between the McCarthy Scales General Cognitive Index, the McCarthy Screening Test, Kaufman's McCarthy short form, and the Peabody Individual Achievement Test using a sample of elementary students. Found the Estimated General Cognitive Index by Kaufman's short form was virtually identical to the McCarthy Scales Index.…

In a study conducted in Ireland, factor analysis of IQ, mathematics, and English standardized test scores, together with the 15 teacher ratings, showed that there is overlap between ratings and test results but that the information obtained is not redundant. (Author/RL)