Develops and validates a new language aptitude battery to be used for the selection of military personnel for training at the Defense Language Institute which offers over 50 foreign language courses. (RC)

Pretraining on test-taking strategies improved the reliability and predictive power of the Arithmetic Reasoning Test for seventh-grade Chicano students but not for non-Chicano students. Pretraining did not improve the reliability of the Missing Words Test for either group, but appears to have improved the predictive power of this test for both…

Psychological and psycholinguistic considerations which make university foreign language entrance requirements in the interest of the university and the student are discussed. (RM)

Described is a diagnostic instrument to evaluate basic occupational skills and attitudes of educable mentally retarded students in a work-study program. (CL)

The effects of specific and nonspecific verbal corrections on vocational training of 38 low-moderately to severely mentally retarded adults were studied. Results demonstrated that specific verbal corrections enhanced acquisition by learners with higher receptive-language skills but did not do so for learners with lower receptive-language skills.…

This study investigated the effects on reading of matching perceptual strengths of second- and third-grade, below average readers. Experimental groups consisted of 24 predominantly visual and 24 predominantly kinesthetic learners. Gains were significant for experimentals over controls in word recognition and reading comprehension. (Author/BS)

In response to an earlier article on foreign language learning disabilities in college students, the article reports on a similar study using the Modern Language Aptitude Test and concludes that, as yet, tests are not adequate to determine a disability affecting foreign language learning. (DB)

Investigates the relationship between analogical reasoning and academic learning. Results show that efforts to improve academic achievement through training in analogical thinking are based on the correct assumption that analogical thinking can be trained and that various methods of training are effective in this regard. (MS)

Presents a model of second language acquisition based on the social-psychology of acculturation, including factors in social, affective, personality, cognitive, biological, aptitude, personal, input, and instructional areas. Studies which test this model are reviewed and evaluated. (Author/CB)

Discusses the pros and cons of using computer software to prepare for college entrance examinations. Provides information on eight programs designed for that purpose. (TW)

Two quasi-experimental longitudinal studies, conducted by the Centre for Educational Research in Landau, Germany, are reported. Various effects of reporting the outcomes of learning to students were studied. Results emphasized the importance of feedback for learning outcomes. (LMO)

The policy of making submission of SAT scores optional has little merit and no coherence. If colleges begin to rely on achievement tests, the advantage will shift to upper income students with access to better secondary education, to coaches, and test preparation centers. (MLW)

The relationship of Scholastic Aptitude Test scores and noncognitive variables to academic success (Grade Point Average and persistence) over 4 years was examined for Black university students and compared to that of White students. (Author)

High school students of various ability levels were presented economics concepts lessons, varied according to their organization or structure. Test questions over concept ranged from simple recall of information to application of economics principles. Students scored generally higher when they were presented highly structured lessons. (LMO)

This article first disconfirms the use of traditional evaluation procedures, and then focuses on direct assessment of academic performance. The interactive nature of learning and the use of a task analytical approach to treatment-oriented assessment are emphasized. (LMO)