This study examined three statistical methods for selecting items for mastery tests: (1) pretest-posttest; (2) latent trait; and (3) agreement statistics. The correlation between the latent trait method and agreement statistics, proposed here as an alternative, was substantial. Results for the pretest-posttest method confirmed its reputed…

Using participants in a continuing education conference, an experiment was conducted to examine: (1) the consistency of self-ratings of ability across four different measurement conditions; and, (2) the relative leniency of retrospective pretest self-ratings compared to pretest self-ratings. Implications for evaluators are discussed. (Author/BS)

The effects of verbal mnemonics on mathematics achievement were investigated using 100 Japanese seventh graders. All students received 10 weeks of mathematics instruction, but the experimental subjects were taught with the aid of verbal rhymes. Significant differences favoring experimental subjects were found on both the immediate and delayed…

For this evaluation of a multicultural education unit, Staged Innovation Design, which allows for experimental group posttest scores to be compared to control-replication group pretest and posttest scores to ascertain instructional effectiveness, was modified by adding a simultaneous pretest for both groups to control for threats to internal…

Examines the relationship between some fifth graders' misconceptions about light, the science textbook the students used, their classroom instruction, and what they learned. Presents the "stories of cognitive learning" of six students in the class. (RH)

A study of elementary school students investigated the effects of immediate feedback during a spelling pretest compared to the usual delayed feedback after dictation of an entire word list. Results indicated a small degree of difference between methods. (Author/DF)

Theory and research suggest the critical role that formative assessment can play in student learning. The use of assessment in guiding instruction has long been advocated: Through the assessment of students' needs and the monitoring of student progress, learning sequences can be appropriately designed, instruction adjusted during the course of…

A study measured the effectiveness of the Channel One news program on student achievement in current events. Data were collected to measure the difference in current events knowledge between those students who viewed and discussed Channel One, and those students who had no access to the program. Data based on gender differences in student…

This study investigated the relationship in conceptual change scores between members of dyads paired for a photosynthesis simulation exercise. The relationship between an individual's epistemological sophistication and understanding of photosynthesis was also examined. The sample consisted of 255 biological sciences majors enrolled in a biology…

A study examined the factors related to learning occurring in an adult education program. A purposeful sample of Ohio counties and 151 participants in a specific 1993-1993 adult education program who self-selected to participate in the study was used. A descriptive ex post facto study design was used. Pretests-posttests were administered to…

Currently, there are so many research studies in journals that a review board should be established to screen quality research from research without merit. Each school system should consider conducting research to confirm the quality of a selected, implemented, plan of instruction. First, school systems need to study what should be researched in…

The present experiments were designed to assess retroaction and proaction effects where more than one interpolated (RI) or prior (PI) passage is learned and to determine if results are the same for eighth-grade science material as for biographies similar to those used by Crouse. (Author/RK)

Sixty children with mean age 5.10 years were studied. Each member of two groups of 20 nonconservers was given a different kind of verbal rule instruction that was focused on the conservation of discontinuous and continuous quantity. (Editor)

In this study of incidental learning effects upon listening ability, 135 eleventh grade students participated in a program of testing and training in note-taking skills. (Authors)

Article, written by members of the graduate seminar entitled Empirical Studies in Communication" at the University of Colorado, presumes that research in communication is a part of a process directed toward the formulation of an adequate explanation of human communication behavior. (Author/DR)