Reprint of Corey's classic satire written in the first person of a student who is discussing his overview of his educational experiences in elementary school. From a seventh grader's perspective, the article speaks sensitively and clearly to the dynamics underpinning the dichotomy between a student operating within a rigid academic structure and…

This study concerns the selection of mathematically talented students at the beginning of secondary school in Australia, using a version of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). Age and sex differences were found. Younger and older students responded to SAT items in qualitatively different ways. (MNS)

Feuerstein's mediated learning theory was applied to a deaf population for investigating the cognitive modifiability of this population. The learning Potential Assessment Device (LPAD) was employed for determining transfer of learning along cognitive and behavioral dimensions. Results showed that the groups who received examiner mediation…

Trained junior high school students were compared with untrained students on comprehension and recall after both were told to construct questions while reading text passages. Results indicate that training improved the question quality only for those students who had above average pretest free recall scores. (Author/LMO)

ASAT scores are examined statistically with respect to gender differences, and a rationale for removing the gender bias from the aggregate achievement assessments is described. The inadequacy of relying solely on aptitude tests to produce comparisons of achievements is noted. (Author/MLW)

Four males, aged 11-18, who had poor achievement in mathematics, used the Lasermaths software program for practice and drill in basic arithmetic problems. After exposure to this program, which resembles a video game, subjects' performance on paper and pencil arithmetic tests was significantly improved. (GDC)

Achievement and attitudinal effects of three mathematics instruction methods directed in varying degrees toward accommodating diversity in student performance levels were compared in two randomized field experiments with third- through sixth-grade classes. Treatments included Team Assisted Individualization, Ability Group Active Teaching, the…

In an interview, Benjamin Bloom outlines his reasons for studying the development of immensely talented people. He feels his study can help educators understand how all students can be more successful. (MD)

Points out, by citing a recently completed longitudinal study at the University of Iowa, that children are more likely to discover how reading works and make it work for them if the book is not too hard. (EL)

Research on the potential effects of different item arrangement schemes on item statistics is reviewed for three separate periods. Earliest studies investigated the simple main effect of item order on test performance. The late 1960s emphasized interactions between item order and examinees' characteristics. Current concern focuses on item…

Reports on a study that investigated which of four modes of reading (oral reading to an audience, oral reading to oneself, silent reading, silent reading while listening) best facilitates fifth-grade students' comprehension. Concludes that for these students as a whole, comparable comprehension may be expected when they read to themselves or read…

An attitude survey of 12-year-old students in the United Kingdom studying French or German showed that girls are more likely to favor languages than boys. However, both sexes rejected the idea that one sex is better at learning a foreign language that the other. (Author/RM)

Using Kleinfeld's review of Inuit possible cognitive strengths as framework, reviews 28 studies published since 1973 on cognition (broadly defined to include studies of visual/social perception, cognitive style, concrete/formal operational ability, language abilities, cognitive strengths) among Native North Americans. Identifies weaknesses of…

This review found that providing reading and study-skill instruction in the social studies curriculum can raise achievement scores in both reading and social studies to higher levels than what pupils would achieve without instruction. In those treatments that were successful, teachers played an important role. (Author/PN)

The effectiveness of three methods for teaching social studies concepts were examined. The techniques were Merrill and Tennyson's model, Gagne's model, and reading-recitation. Student achievement was assessed for each method. Results indicated definitions and both examples and nonexamples facilitate concept acquisition. (Author/DWH)