The purpose of this paper is to derive optimal rules for variable-length mastery tests in case three mastery classification decisions (nonmastery, partial mastery, and mastery) are distinguished. In a variable-length or adaptive mastery test, the decision is to classify a subject as a master, a partial master, a nonmaster, or continuing sampling…

The 11 chapters in this book, each contributed by a different author, are organized around the "3P model" of learning at the college level developed by John Biggs, which allows teachers to monitor and modify their teaching in light of students' learning. The 3P model includes presage (student and situational variables), process (how…

This publication is a collection of 13 hands-on activities that focus on earth science-related activities and involve students in learning about growing crystals, tectonics, fossils, rock and minerals, modeling Ohio geology, geologic time, determining true north, and constructing scale-models of the Earth-moon system. Each activity contains…

Profiling the proven cataloging methods of experts from libraries, art galleries, museums, and other institutions, this sourcebook outlines cataloging techniques for a wide variety of resources from ancient artifacts to architectural drawings. A data dictionary of relevant MARC fields is also included, along with data conversion comments. A…

This survey of Association of Research Libraries (ARL) members gathered data on library support staff classification specifications in ARL libraries, the process for classifying these positions, and salary and title comparisons with similar positions outside of the library. It also asked when the last classification study was performed within the…

This paper examines trends in second language communication strategies (CSs), explaining that when language learners concentrate on form or accuracy, they encounter problems, and when they recognize the mismatch between their linguistic resources and communicative intentions, they try to solve these problems using CSs (e.g., appeals for help,…

Using data from a survey of more than 1,900 first-year students at a large research institution, this study applied J.L. Holland's theory of personality and environment to examine the ways in which students view diversity. Holland categories, individual characteristics such as race and gender and interactions with people of color before college…

Greater learning can be promoted by delivering information through a variety of media and through the use of interactive applications. In this paper, the effect of information technology on learning is seen as a function of how well interactive technologies support a specific model of learning and how appropriate that model is to the learning…

A method of item pool design is proposed that uses an optimal blueprint for the item pool calculated from the test specifications. The blueprint is a document that specifies the attributes that the items in the computerized adaptive test (CAT) pool should have. The blueprint can be a starting point for the item writing process, and it can be used…

This paper presents a reasoning taxonomy to explain reasoning objectives, strategies, and habits available to the advanced thinker. It begins by explaining the first part of the taxonomy, objectives of reasoning, including the need for skilled thinkers to reason with a purpose and to understand how the world works so that they can engage with it.…

This paper describes the feedback included in operational achievement level setting (ALS) procedures for the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). It does not describe the feedback form field trials, pilot studies, or other research studies related to the NAEP. The NAEP ALS process includes three rounds of item-by-item ratings, and…

The interest in graphic information has increased explosively and is explored through various communication networks like the Internet and the audiovisual media. Art libraries, museums, cultural centers, and art foundations manage and store a lot of images in several departments and in print and digital formats. This paper discusses the cataloging…

Language learning strategies (LLS), here defined as specific actions or mental procedures that assist in fulfilling language learning goals, have attracted increasing attention as one of the factors that impact second language acquisition. A key reason for their appeal is that language learning strategies can be manipulated to an extent that most…

There has been recently an increased interest in educational legislation. The school administrator and the student of educational systems now turn for information and help to legal provisions as they turn to statistics or to the opinions of experienced schoolmen. Accompanied with this new interest in educational legislation have been increased…

In October 19, at the request of the Board of Education in the District of Columbia, the Bureau of Education made a preliminary survey of the schools of the District and reported to the board a plan for the reorganization of the administrative and teaching forces of the schools, including a schedule of salaries. It confined itself wholly to the…