Most environmental education materials targeted at the elementary level emphasize basic ecological principles, but provide little coverage of natural resource issues. This study evaluates the environmental and natural resource knowledge of 542 6th-grade students from 8 public schools in Washington from 1992 to 1993. (LZ)

Studies youths' motivation for school attendance. Survey results suggest that the motivations for high school dropouts were consistent with those of nondropouts. Comparisons showed both groups to be comparable in terms of the relative influence of socialization, extracurricular activities, and pleasing an authority. (MMU)

Surveys college students to investigate whether a relationship exists between academic achievement and the time spent in recreational reading. Finds a significant and positive relationship between cumulative grade-point average and time spent reading for pleasure during vacations. Examines how much students read, who reads the most, and what they…

Describes the results of surveys of students' confidence in basic mathematics and the subsequent diagnostic testing of basic mathematical skills. Identifies learning needs and ways in which students can be supported. (Author/CCM)

Analyzes influence of rape myths on victims' decisions to report rapes. Examines respondents' perceptions of responsibility and evaluation of incidents. Explains respondents with strong beliefs in rape myths contribute to a tolerance of the rapist while blaming the victim. Implies attitudes reinforce unreported rapes and a lack of fair trials.…

Surveys of students both during and following a six-week strike by faculty at York University (Ontario) found that students faced academic and economic hardship during and after the strike and that only a minority of students supported the strike. However, attitudes toward unions, and not personal hardship, were the best predictors of student…

Survey of graduates from University of California-San Diego, polled by career services center on how they found jobs, determined that many attributed their job-finding success to the career services center. Findings conclude that technology can bolster rather than reduce the role of career services practitioners in serving students and employers.…

Independent reading by medical students beyond formal classroom activities is considered central to medical education. This study examines self-directed study among third-year students in a six-year medical program. Students averaged 151 minutes daily on independent study using lecture notes, textbooks, and reading articles. Suggests ways to…

Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to provide an organizational framework for data collected from an entering class of students (N=1,912). Results from the EFA indicated that items on surveys could be grouped into dimensions that can be used to plan student services. Factors that emerged included: Religion/Spirituality, Help Seeking,…

Examines conditions under which readers experience intense engagement in a text, termed "optimal experience" or "flow." Reports on two studies examining flow during reading. Concludes that (1) texts for pleasure reading or interest reading provided more flow; (2) fiction was more likely to produce flow than nonfiction; and (3)…

A transition plan offers students and parents an opportunity to become familiar with middle school's expectations, routines, curricula, classmates, and buildings before the new school year. The journey can be facilitated by surveying students about areas of concern, providing student mentors, and staging information day and transition day…

Presents evidence extending previous research that determined high school students in remedial mathematics classes prefer homework that intersperses additional brief tasks in the assignment. Results show that high school students rated experimental homework assignments with 20% and 40% more target problems as more favorable for time, effort, and…

A survey of student counseling needs was conducted at a medium-sized university. (N=803) Gender differences are noted and discussed in regard to identified student needs for counseling and fears about the future. Discusses implications for counseling. Endorses the value of conducting systematic needs assessments. (Author/EMK)

Surveyed Southwestern University students about how fluent with information technology they see themselves. Found that students came to college equipped with basic skills in using e-mail, Internet browsing, and word processing, but lack experience with other contemporary skills such as working with spreadsheets and databases, networking, and…

A questionnaire was developed and administered to 111 undergraduate students to assess the influence of religiosity on their attitudes toward science as a career and their belief in scientific evidence and concepts. Results indicate that religiosity does influence these attitudes and is a factor to be considered in planning science instruction.…