Describes a study to determine effects of computer-assisted instruction (versus a text mode of programed instruction) and locus of control on preservice elementary teachers' computer literacy achievement. Differences in test scores of externally controlled individuals favored CAI. There were no differences between treatments when internally…

Discusses attribution theory and its effect on teachers' attitudes toward students and describes a study of 155 elementary teachers in Costa Rica that investigated the consequences of the teachers attributing student performance to low ability and to insufficient effort. Cultural values that may affect the outcomes are also discussed. (28…

Describes Pathfinder, a microcomputer software package designed to improve students' understanding and skills in interpreting graphs of physical phenomena which was tested in high school math classes. Differences in strategies between various ability levels are reported, and student interactions based on observations and interviews are discussed.…

Scholastic Aptitude Test skills of dyslexics can be enhanced through use of special test administration arrangements and a structured program of vocabulary development, test-taking strategies, and a pattern of analysis to improve reading comprehension. Two case studies illustrate the impact of drill and reinforcement, multimodal imagery…

There is considerable interest in the education of gifted and talented youth in countries around the world. Gifted programs in Australia, Poland, the United Kingdom, and Israel are described, as examples of the approaches used globally. Identification procedures, teacher education, and general educational principles for gifted education are also…

The combined Scholastic Aptitude Test scores of Black high school seniors rose by seven points between 1982-83 and 1983-84, according to figures released by the College Board. Among racial and ethnic groups, only Asian-Americans posted a larger increase--eight points. (MLW)

The research effort reported in this document addresses the important national need for determining the validity of large-scale content assessments in English with students who are in the process of acquiring English as a second language. Often these students have been excluded from such assessments, but there have been recent, growing efforts to…

This report offers a broad overview of the three major categories of explanations of gender patterns in cognitive functioning. Two of the major categories are biological and psychosocial. The third category, explanations that have been attributed to differences in the educational experiences of men and women, is treated separately because while…

Explores the attitudes and motivation of American and foreign students who have unrealistic academic or career aspirations. Discusses counselors' and advisors' sterotypes and biases that may contribute to difficulties with such cases. Offers practical suggestions for working with students and adjustments counselors can make within themselves. (JAC)

Reports on two studies that examined differences in the processing strategies of beginning readers, as indicated by an analysis of oral reading errors. (FL)

The rural special educator can evaluate commercial programmed curricula by considering seven major categories: theoretical foundation consistent with existing instructional theories; content; training needed to implement; assessment measures for properly placing students; cost; time required for implementation and record keeping; and program…

Reviews research that focuses on the effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and suggests implications for limited English proficient (LEP) students, both native and nonnative speakers. Highlights include narrative and meta-analytic research; reduction in learning time; attitudes toward computers; self-esteem; and the interaction of…

The short form of the Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT) was administered to 587 university students, and scores were validated against final first and second semester grades in introductory foreign language classes for 529 and 365 students, respectively. The MLAT failed to distinguish good from poor students. (TJH)

Issues connected with knowledge acquisition through the development of complex computer programs--Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITSs)--are discussed. The components of such a system and its applications are considered, including: elicitation of knowledge, tutoring with incomplete/uncertain knowledge, self-improving tutoring systems, and…

The term "ethno-lingual relativity" is a perspective that is not limited by one's own cultural and linguistic experiences, but rather is open to the contrasting cultural and linguistic patterns of other peoples. This article explores the hypothesis that having such a perspective might facilitate second language acquisition. (19 references)…