The usefulness of taking notes to enhance recall was assessed, based on reviewing the research literature using the techniques of meta-analysis. Meta-analysis allows for both the computation of the strength of an effect within studies and the determination of mean effect sizes averaged across related studies. Fourteen studies that maintained…

This article finds the empirical review of the intellectual effects of family factors by Lala Carr Steelman wanting because (1) it is selective and incomplete; (2) it ignores systematic aggregate effects; (3) it imposes linear analysis on nonmonotone relationships; and (4) it disregards most of the confounds identified by Steelman as crucial.…

The author responds to criticism by R. B. Zajonc on a review of the extant literature on the intellectual consequences of sibship size and birth order. (Author/LMO)

A synthesis of findings from 46 studies on group-based applications of mastery learning strategies points out their positive effects on both cognitive and affective student learning outcomes as well as on several teacher variables. Variables affecting the success of mastery learning, such as choice of strategy, student grade level, and study…

A meta analysis of thirteen published studies on computer-based instruction (CBI) reported positive effects on learning. In twelve studies, components of effective CBI which parallel components of effective teaching included: (1) attention and motivation; (2) presentation and opportunities to practice, elaborate, and problem solve; and (3)…

nter arguments are presented to defend the author's data selection practices and to point out pitfalls in Baker's critique. (SLD)

This article extends both the logic and the statistical procedures used in a recent analysis of Hyde's data on gender differences in cognitive abilities by Rosenthal and Rubin. The logic of a "model fitting" approach to meta-analysis is described. Relevant statistical procedures and goodness-of-fit tests are illustrated. (Author/BS)

The aggregate findings of experiments with modern mathematics for the last 30 years show that there have not been many detrimental effects of "new math" either on achievement or attitude. Instead, the evidence points toward beneficial effects in terms of improvement in overall achievement and attitude. (Author/BW)

This article is a response to Ruth Wade's meta-analysis of inservice teacher education research in the same issue of "Educational Leadership" (EA 518 308). Factors making a difference in inservice education are identified, but more work needs to be done in understanding the specific, practical details, allowing application. (DCS)

This synthesis of findings from 40 studies showed that students can raise their test scores by taking practice tests. The size of the gains were a function of three factors: identical vs. parallel forms of the test, number of practice tests, and ability level of the student. (Author/BW)

This article reports the results of a meta-analysis of 20 research articles containing 89 effect sizes related to the use of digital tools and learning environments to enhance literacy acquisition. Results (weighted effect size of 0.489) demonstrate that technology can have a positive effect on reading comprehension, but little research has…

A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the success of cognitive-behavioral therapy in reducing disruptive behaviors exhibited by school-age children in a school setting. Twenty-seven articles about studies using cognitive-behavioral therapy and a teacher measure of disruptive behavior were analyzed critically, and appropriate outcome measures…

This study synthesized research on teacher efficacy. A 14-stage model was implemented to identify and analyze characteristics found in the synthesis population of 89 primary studies which addressed teacher efficacy. The 89 primary studies yielded 789 distinct and 973 total research hypotheses; 25 distinct and 973 total teacher efficacy constructs;…

This Bulletin describes the strength and duration of changeable risk and protective factors for youth violence at points in youth development when they appear most salient. These predictors are potential targets for prevention and intervention. The quantitative results of a large number of studies were synthesized using meta-analysis procedures.…

Although there are three main computer-assisted instruction (CAI) formats (drill and practice, simulation, and tutorial), tutorial format is particularly suitable to conceptual school subjects because this format: (1) explains the concept of the text; (2) tests the understanding of the topic; and (3) selects the next step of the subject. When a…