Describes a study that was designed to examine whether the computer attitudes of graduate students in a beginning statistics course differed based on their prior computer experience and the type of statistical analysis package used. Versions of statistical analysis packages using a mainframe and a microcomputer are compared. (14 references) (LRW)

Identifies the unsophisticated assumptions and conjectures, both intuitive and empirical in character, underlying secondary school science students' (n=25) portrayal of scientific knowledge and its production. Structured interview protocols explored not only the students' substantive knowledge base but, perhaps more important, their ability to…

Describes results of a survey of 732 students in 12 Departments of Information and Library Studies (DILSs) that measured prior experiences in office automation skills, their assessment of their knowledge and confidence with computers, the level of information technology (IT) provided, and whether their IT training was adequate for future…

Among 238 Canadian high school seniors who took a science achievement test, 15 were interviewed afterward. Girls scored lower than boys and more frequently cited school experiences (rather than informal experiences or common knowledge) as the basis for answers. Some items elicited spontaneous negative reactions from girls but not boys. Contains 55…

Describes a study of undergraduates at Ohio State University that examined the relationship between drawing performance and cognitive abilities related to visual perception and analysis, drawing strategies, type of stimulus, previous experience with visual studies, and gender. Related studies are reviewed, and implications for instructional design…

Interviews with three kindergarten teachers examined the effect of an in-service program which introduced them to findings from emergent literacy research with a developmental perspective. Although subjects used teacher-led instructional methods, they considered active child-centered kindergartens preferable. They enumerated external constraints…

Describes a study that was conducted at the School of Library and Information Science, University of Western Ontario, to examine search behavior of users in a hypertext information retrieval system. The effects of gender, search task, and search experience on two search options--analytical or browsing--are discussed. (Contains 15 references.) (LRW)

Discusses how the Science Activity Filter can facilitate elementary school teachers' choices of appropriate science activities for their classrooms. The filter is a process for choosing activities that considers seven factors: (1) meaningful learning; (2) the amount of time required; (3) cost of materials; (4) safety; (5) level of difficulty; (6)…

Discusses the success, motivation, and acculturation of Russian immigrants in English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) classrooms, explaining why they are motivated and well-prepared, discussing variations in their previous English education, examining the effects of cultural differences, and noting other problems that they may face in ESL classrooms…

Explains the relevance of reading-comprehension research for classroom teachers, discussing how knowledge of the world and active engagement with ideas in the text influence comprehension and looking at how to develop both these capabilities. Four sections discuss the power of background knowledge, reading aloud and discussing literature with…

New neuroscientific knowledge is redefining possibilities for K-12 education. There are five critical variables in the brain's learning process: neural history, context, acquisition, elaboration, and encoding. This article tracks one student's unique brain activity throughout her school day to illustrate these variables. (MLH)

Describes a study that developed a predictive model of adult learners' satisfaction in a Web-based distance education course and their intent to participate in future courses. Examined computer self-efficacy, academic self-concept, age, gender, academic status, years of computer use, computer training, and participation in a workshop for a…

Describes a teacher-researcher's instructional experience with her middle school students in which she applied strategies and techniques to promote the development of English as a Second Language (ESL) and critical thinking through a literature-based approach to social studies. (Author/VWL)

Discussion of students' computer attitudes focuses on the development of an Internet attitude scale for Taiwanese high school students that considered gender differences and Internet experience. Includes four subscales: perceived usefulness; affection, including feelings and anxiety; perceived control; and behavior, including actual practice and…

Speculates about reasons for the lack of use of concept mapping as an instructional strategy. Concludes that the two main barriers to its extensive adoption are the epistemological beliefs of classroom teachers and the underlying philosophy of the curriculum. (Contains 45 references.) (DDR)