There are a number of more meaningful ways of examining differences in achievement scores than by making comparisons, however complex, simply on the basis of national boundaries. Past methodological schemes may have been analytically convenient, but the results are hardly clear or convincing. (BRR)

Describes development of a program for students not achieving as expected, Positive Attitude Toward Learning. Program results indicated improved student performance and teacher attitudes. Suggests counselors be involved in curriculum and instructional problems through planning committees to help solve student problems. (JAC)

Teachers in this high school "shadowed" selected students to see the school through students' eyes. The teachers noted both strengths and weaknesses. The latter included class interruptions, low expectations of low achievers, and inadequate learning time. (JM)

Discusses the concept of student development and defines student needs and tasks of student development educators. Urges educators to incorporate student-oriented approaches into administration and planning. Discusses using developmental knowledge, the meaning of education, creating campus community, fostering acceptance of experiential learning,…

Recent research studies and reports of current desegregation plans are examined against the background of two models of social systems: consensus and conflict. The article's focus moves from the community to the school to the classroom to the individual. Available from Duke University Press, Box 6697 College Station, Durham, NC 27708. (Author/IRT)

The authors examine the potential and the limitations of alternative schools for disruptive students by discussing positive features, such as small student-teacher ratio and enhancement of self-concept, and negative aspects, such as the tendency toward racial isolation and possible use as a tool for social control. (SK)

It is argued that studies of "school effects" must make a clear conceptual distinction between school and schooling as very different results may be obtained by research that does and does not maintain these conceptual and corresponding operational definitions. (Author/DB)

An experimental study was undertaken to examine: (1) effect of early course evaluation feedback to instructor on subsequent end-of-course class evaluations by students and instructor, and (2) stability of course evaluations by students and instructor. Instructor behaviors and opinions of course value and teaching ability were identified.…

Certain characteristics of schools make them adequate to the task of primary prevention of behavior disorders. Current preventative efforts center on two strategies: modification of school environments and competence building. Implications for school psychologists are discussed. (Author/MH)

Multiple regression analysis of 11 home factors and 13 school factors indicated that home accounted for 8.8 percent of the total variance in achievement of sixth grade Indonesian pupils, while school accounted for 6.2 percent. Classroom climate, interpreted as an unmeasured effect of good teaching, accounted for 46 percent of the variance. (CP)

Examines attributes of middle level classrooms and schools perceived by parents as inviting, and attributes related to student behavior and achievement. Notes that inviting schools/classrooms are characterized by a clean, neat building, student work displays, and pleasant wall colors. Environmental features that parents believe are related to…

Presents the results of a study that assessed the influence of individual and contextual factors on adolescent girls' interest in school physical education. Suggests that classroom environment is more important than individual goals in influencing pupil interest. Results are discussed in the context of theoretical propositions of goal perspectives…

Maintains that education exists in a context where power is constantly being negotiated between teachers and students. Discusses ways in which this relationship can be articulated and integrated into the curriculum. Recommends adopting teaching practices for respecting the beliefs, values, and lifestyles of others. (MJP)

A study investigated medical students' expectations of the medical school environment and opinions of their academic experience in three areas (teaching/administration, psychological aspects of student life, intellectual climate) near the end of their first year in two parallel curricula: a problem-based learning program and a traditional…

Although structural analysis is a fundamental subject in civil engineering, its abstract concepts and the difficulty in visualizing them pose problems for students. This article examines the application of virtual reality (VR) to civil engineering. Describes the design, development, and evaluation of a VR-based learning center for a structural…