This study at 21 colleges found that having entering freshmen write a short holistically scored essay added nothing to the prediction of freshman grade point average compared to predictions made from high school grade point average, Scholastic Aptitude Test scores, and a multiple-choice test of writing-related skills. (Author/DB)

Investigates relationships among measures of second-language proficiency (SLP), foreign-language aptitude, verbal intelligence and reasoning in 160 Japanese college students studying English. The factor analysis of several different SLP test scores was examined, and the relationship between a general SLP factor and a hypothetical general cognitive…

Two pilot tests with fifth and sixth graders evaluated the Secondary School Admission Test for identifying academically talented students of elementary school age. Testing indicated that mean scores for eighth and ninth grade normative samples are recommended as cutoffs for identifying highly able fifth and sixth grade students. (Author/JDD)

Discusses the history and role of differentiated secondary education in the former Soviet Union. Outlines the responsibilities of differentiated instruction. Offers suggestions for continuing this type of education in the future. (SG)

A young man with hydrocephalic brain injury was found to be an able linguist and received normal scores on the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test in French, German, and Spanish. His performance intelligence was tested separately and found low. His linguistic talents are discussed as an intelligence quotient-independent linguistic talent. (Author/PB)

The commentary on three papers (EC 231 669-671) concerned with individual differences in special education notes agreement on the lack of empirical evidence that educational techniques specially adapted to characteristics of the learner differentially enhance learning. Stressed is the importance of the learner's ecological context--cultural,…

Reports on a four-year longitudinal study of 2,544 college students to determine the relationship between academic self-concept and withdrawal from school. Finds that the most significant predictor of school withdrawal was the students' self-concept of their overall academic ability. (CFR)

Modeled the relationship between student career aspiration and educational productivity in science teaching. The structural equation model was cross-validated by the seventh grade data from the Longitudinal Study of American Youth. Interprets statistical findings in terms of student aptitude-attributes, instructional characteristics, and…

Selection effects in the Swedish Scholastic Aptitude Test due to socioeconomic status (SES) were studied using data from longitudinal studies (n=8,222). Results show that subjects from low SES groups constitute the most positively-selected group even though they obtain the lowest test scores. Gender and grade differences are discussed. (MAK)

Discusses mathematical thinking and problems posed by seventh- grade students as part of a unit on the study of algebraic ideas. The unit involves showing how variables cause changes and also incorporates the solving of systems of equations by constructing line-graph drawings and combination charts. (AIM)

Examines the methods used by foreign-language teachers to evaluate their undergraduate students. Indicates that cohesive language curricula include language and culture skills and integrate in- and out-of-class experiences. Suggests that assessment should be consistent with classroom procedures; measure growth, breadth, and the use of authentic…

The effect of different item formats (multiple choice and open) on gender differences in test performance was studied for the Swedish Diagrams, Tables, and Maps (DTM) test with 90 secondary school students. The change to open format resulted in no reduction in gender differences on the DTM. (SLD)

Describes a computer-based instructional system called Stat Lady and reports the results of an evaluation study of undergraduates that tested the efficacy of learning probability from this program compared to a traditional lecture and a no-treatment control group. Aptitude treatment interaction is also investigated. (Author/LRW)

To explore theoretical issues inspired by the Likert response format, 2 social insight scales were developed and administered to 391 Air Force recruits. Results demonstrate the applicability of the probabilistic response format to measure differences in nontraditional knowledge domains and the existence of a factor that may be interpreted as…

The relation between learning environment (perceptions of classroom goal structure and teachers' instructional discourse) and students' reported use of avoidance strategies (self-handicapping, avoidance of help seeking) and preference to avoid novelty in mathematics was examined. High incidence of motivational support was uniquely characteristic…