Clarifies appropriateness of certain simulation approaches by distinguishing between different types of simulations--experimental, predictive, evaluative, and educational--on the basis of purpose, assumptions, procedures, and criteria for evaluating. The kinds of questions each type best responds to are discussed. (65 references) (MBR)

This study examined the factors that best predict which elementary school children will transfer out of a French immersion program. Learner characteristics, teacher and parent evaluations, and family background were examined. Analyses suggest that attitudinal and motivational factors are of primary importance to the continuation of second-language…

This study: (1) tested the effectiveness of the Model of Educational Productivity for predicting the inquiry skill of 17-year-olds; (2) investigated if the prediction of inquiry differed for males and females; and (3) if the prediction of inquiry skill differed for white and nonwhite students. (JN)

A mathematical model for predicting the size of the dental school applicant pool using the number of Dental Admission Test participants is presented. (MSE)

Speculates on the language teaching scene in 10 years' time. Suggests that the fundamental description of language in terms of functions and notions will not be replaced by any new concept and that innovation, therefore, will come more in the form in which this description of language is presented to the learner. (SED)

The relationship between student GPAs and scores on the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners tests was investigated in an effort to determine if the chiropractic curriculum was properly preparing students to be licensed. The study found that there was a significant correlation between GPAs and board scores. (Author/MLW)

To forecast four-year, two-year, and single-course grades in college, a California Psychological Inventory equation was developed. Cross-validational coefficients for scores on the equation were .38 for 326 males and .36 for 570 females. (Author/GDC)

Describes a study that investigated whether the structure of the materials children encounter and the abilities and experiences they bring to the act of reading affect the ease with which they comprehend the text. (FL)

The contribution to learning that can be made by students' questions is considered. Some questions asked by middle school students and the activities selected by the teacher to answer their questions are presented. Questions involve predicting, judging reasonableness, measuring, finding an average speed, and multiplication. (MNS)

Four actuarial equations for predicting an academic performance criterion were developed and assessed at the University of Michigan. It was concluded that appropriately done actuarial prediction of an individual criterion is more efficient than the efforts of an admissions committee. (LBH)

Some random predictions on the future of education are presented for the public and policy; education programs; universities and teacher education; collaboration and planning; and democracy, complexity, and fantasy. (MM)

Reported are the results of five studies involving 693 secondary and college students in individualized biology courses to identify student characteristics relating to high achievement in these courses. Prior knowledge, intellectual ability, and motivation related to high student performance in all five studies. (SL)

This lesson plan can help teach primary students about sentence structure, rhyming words, sight words, vocabulary, and print concepts using a weekly poem. These important skills for reading and writing are demonstrated in a whole-to-parts approach using engaging poems, shared reading, and independent activities. During five 15-minute class…

This study examined the effectiveness of using selected self-report measures assessing motivational orientation, learning strategies, procrastination, and perceptions of daily hassles to facilitate the prediction of student engagement in a self-paced introductory psychology course. Research has shown these factors to be associated with academic…